Last night the final presidential debate took place in which both nominees sought to seal the deal with the American people. Although we usually tune in to get a laugh or two, it’s time to finally get serious. The notion that this election is considered to be a laughing matter at all is concerning in itself. It is important to distinguish the major differences between candidates to accurately determine who you think deserves your vote. From the looks of the last debate, each candidate had 5 major moments that can sum up important things to consider before going to your polling location on November 8, 2016.
Trump
“Nasty woman” and “bad hombres” was said.
Trump called Hillary a “nasty woman” while she was discussing social security and mentioned his actions avoiding taxes. This was one of many instances in which he interrupted Clinton’s speaking time, not to mention the moderator’s questioning. Although this does not seem like a huge deal to discuss, it does show the difficult time Trump has with displaying a simple practice of maturity, fairness and respect. And how could we forget his notorious statement of saying the country has “bad hombres”? He is not politically correct, which can be appealing and refreshing in a world full of calculated politicians. However, his statements could also portray a lack of care in his preparation skills. Does he think about the consequences of the things he says, or consequences at all?
Trump said the election was rigged against him due to fraud and bias, mentioning that specific evidence will be “told at the time” it is appropriate for and he will “keep us in suspense” waiting for it.
When questioned on his recent allegations of sexual harassment and assault, he also defended himself by saying that the Clinton campaign was behind it. There is a difference between avoiding and answering, reassuring and redirecting that Trump does not seem to understand. Is he exposing the corruption of political campaigns? Or is he afraid to expose something else?
He was accused of spending charity money on a self portrait.
Did Trump really buy a 6-foot painting of himself with his foundation money? Well, yes, but technically it was auctioned off at a charity event and the money was given to the artist and other bidder. A low $20,000 spent when most valuable paintings are $100,000. Pocket change, you know. Money is his strong suit – so to speak – and the phrasing of this comment was constructed to suggest that Trump was spending foundation funds illegally. However, it has no telling of what Trump would do with our budget, deficit or taxes. He says that he will run the country like he runs his business, and if you see his business as successful then there you have it.
He declared is not a friend with Putin, so he said, combating allegations that the Russian president has used him.
Despite his lack of experience, Trump really advocated for himself last night that he would be capable of establishing healthier foreign trade relationships if he were in office. Many enjoy his views on immigration in which he sticks very firmly to his belief that a “wall,” whether it be literal or figurative, goes up to keep those out who harm our country and take away jobs from legal Americans. “We have some bad hombres here, and we’re going to get them out,” just add that to the list of discriminatory and derogatory terms he’s used.
Clinton
A moment that sparked interest to viewers was when Trump aimed a statement at Hillary: “you’re the puppet.”
It’s hilarious to say the least, but also important to consider if you agree with it or not. It has been stated that Hillary is merely a puppet to the Obama administration and would essentially be another four years of Obama’s presidency. Although this insinuates that she does not have any ideas of her own, which is untrue, it should be known that she has the same views on healthcare, the economy and Supreme Court justices. She even worked heavily with Bernie Sanders on education reform for public schooling systems. Other democrats are seriously influencing her platform. It’s true that Clinton would replicate some of the same ideas as the current administration, as she is a part of it.
Wikileaks seems to always have some dirt on Clinton, which Trump directed attention to, and we almost never stop hearing about her emails.
She is supposed to have bad judgment calls, bad instincts and bad experience. I think the safest way to deal with this dilemma is to ask yourself if you value experience over entrepreneurship. It is true that Clinton has served the system for as long as we can remember and was the first lady, senator and secretary of state. Whether that makes you more or less comfortable is your call.
They talked about abortion and Clinton took a strong stance.
Obviously, she would be the first female president which has raised a lot of uncertainty aimed at her supporters. Although this would be a new gender to our long list of previous presidents, it is important to consider not how she is a female, but instead how she supports females. She supports Planned Parenthood, is pro-choice, and pushes for wage and workforce equality. She pushed during the final debate about these topics and it is one of the main pillars of her campaign – something to keep in mind. She will fight for this if in office.
She asked viewers to Google “Donald Trump Iraq.”
This sparked backlash because she is resented for her choices made regarding Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Benghazi. It is necessary to consider her position as secretary of state alongside the possible position of president, weighing the differences between the two while also considering how one translates to the other. Surely, moving into the presidential position would allow a new secretary of state to mend her mistakes. However, the media could just cover up whatever it is that actually occurs behind closed doors. It’s up to you to decide.
Finally, Clinton composed her arguments throughout all of thee debates referring back to her campaign website.
If you haven’t taken a look at it, check it out. Whether you have good or bad feelings towards her as a candidate it will help you see her ideas as something you agree with or just a bunch of dressed up BS. Her campaign website, media accounts and employees are truly doing the traditional scheme of tactics that we have always seen. She knows what she’s doing and is telling you. You can see her trail of work over the last 30 years just about anywhere on the internet. She is targeting and banking on a lot of young voters. Is it working on you? Does it convince you? Are you sold?
Even if after reading all of this you feel that you still need somewhere to turn, call someone you trust and ask them if they can help. Your vote matters, whether you like to believe it or not, and no matter what happens after Nov. 8th you can say that you had a voice. For one of the most controversial presidential elections in history, it’s time to take a stand and take democracy seriously. Don’t doubt the power you have, and consider what these debates failed or succeeded to show you about our future president.