Presidential Debate Post - Frances Hubbard

           

#ImWithHer since 2008! 

  In the first debate between the Democratic and Republican candidates in the 2016 election, it was very clear that Hillary Clinton won the debate. As the Democratic nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was very strong in citing specific plan ideas, whereas Donald Trump only talked generally about his plans. This was extremely evident throughout the debate and reflected Hillary in a positive light. Clinton appeared very prepared, knowledgeable, and presidential. The Secretary was able to connect points with facts and back up her claims extremely well. She as able to think on her feet and support almost everything she said. The Republican candidate, Trump, had extreme generalizations in his plans and arguments which was a big weakness that made him look unprepared and immature. Additionally Trump often repeated many points just with a different wording.

              Another area of weakness for Trump was his temper and his tendency to childishly interrupt. The entire debate was plagued by Donald Trump's whines and interruptions when he didn't agree with something said - either by the moderator or Clinton. Even when he wasn't supposed to comment or respond, he seemingly couldn't hold his tongue. In addition to these childish actions Trump was very narcissistic, often referring to his own wealth or businesses. He often related his foreign policy experience to his international hotels or investments. When talking about race relations and healing, Trump exclusively talked about how "he made Obama release his birth certificate" and how "it was all thanks to him that Obama released it". Trump did have some strengths in this debate, for instance he truly believed what he was saying. Trump obviously felt very strongly about everything he said and believed that every single word that came out of his mouth was the truth, and even invented a new word "biggly"!

               Another strength of Hillary Clinton in this debate was the fact that she was seemingly unflappable. Clinton stood strong and didn't let her opponent steam roll her. The Secretary was confident and assertive. Throughout Trump's constant interruptions Clinton stayed calm and embodied Michelle Obama's words that "when they go low, go high."  She kept talking and ignored his criticisms that were thrown at her during her allotted time to speak. By keeping calm and confident, Hillary proved her presidential qualities and showed just how immature Trump was in comparison. On the other side of this coin, she should reprimanded Trump -- as he did her when she tried to interrupt him. It is almost as if she wanted to let him say whatever he wanted.

                It is important to note that Trump knows how to speak to his voting base. He brought up many points that anger his followers and his blatant misogyny, racism, and trash talk play to a large audience in America. Although I personally don't agree with a word Donald Trump says, but many people do and he knows how to play to his public's wishes.

               Overall, Hillary was much more relaxed, prepared, composed, and presidential. Clinton proved that she could stand her ground and that she knew her facts. Even though she wasn't perfect - she didn't retaliate when Donald Trump interrupted her -- she was exponentially more prepared and cordial then her opponent. It is clear in my eyes that Hillary Clinton won this first presidential debate between the two major parties.