This election has arguably been the most controversial yet entertaining one in the history of America. It is especially important going into this election to know what each candidate stands on so the most informed vote can be cast.
For some of us, this is our first election that we are able to vote in. One of the best ways to really see both candidates in action is during a debate. Because of the controversy with this election, this first debate is possibly the most anticipated one yet.
Since I am still fairly undecided, I sat down and watched the debate in order to not only inform myself, but to inform all of the Her Campus readers. So, I got myself a cup of tea, a blanket and kept an open mind to see how this debate would play out.
The Meet n’ Greet
Before the debate even begins, Bill Clinton and Melina Trump shared one of the most awkwardly forced handshakes I have ever seen. Lester Holt, the moderator, introduced the candidates and explained the purpose of having an unbiased third party called the Commission of Presidential Debates. Hillary Clinton chose a bright red suit and Donald Trump wore a black suit with a blue tie and white shirt. Heaven forbid they do not wear American colors.
Round One: Fight!
Jobs, the economy and education
The first question opened up with how the candidates plan to create jobs. Clinton wants to support those balancing families and work by giving them paid leave. She also wants to close corporate loopholes.
Trump responded by stating that our jobs are fleeing to Mexico and other countries. His main goal is to keep companies from leaving the US. He discussed the need to reduce taxes in order to attract companies.
Clinton followed by stating her desire for a tax system that rewards work. She does not want to give big executives a tax break. She also wants to help with climate change which will in turn create jobs while also saving the environment.
Trump argues we are too far into debt to do what Clinton plans to do, including saving the planet from climate change.
Trump consistently interrupted Clinton’s speech. “I know you live in your own reality,” Clinton said to Trump. It continued to get pretty sassy. Overall, Trump wants a large tax cut, and Clinton wants a large tax increase, but claims it will not hurt the working class.
Clinton also talked about wanting to make college debt free, which is important for college students to note. Trump, however, claims she is basically just all talk.
Trump wants the country to think like him in order to get out of debt since he prides himself on his very high income. He believes that his knowledge of business and success can help the country out of debt.
Tax Returns vs. Emails
Two of the biggest controversies about the candidates
Clinton points out the fact that Trump has not released his tax return information like every other candidate has done in the past. Trump claims to be under audit and that is why he has not released tax information despite the ability to do so even under audit. He then responded by saying he would release his tax returns when Clinton releases the 30,000 emails she has lost, which she then took responsibility for.
Law & Order: SVU
They discuss their thoughts on police, crime and security issues
On the subject of crime in this country, Clinton wants trust to be restored between community and police, improve police officer training, and restore a mutual respect between the people and the law. Trump responded by saying that America needs “law and order” concerning crime in minority communities.
In a shocking turn, the two candidates actually agreed on a point. They both believe that those that are considered too dangerous to fly should not be able to buy a gun.
The birth certificate fiasco
All old news…
The agreement on an issue did not last long. Trump attacked Clinton’s extended time off which she said was to prepare for debate and to be president. The birther lie that Trump spread concerning that Obama was not an American-born citizen was brought up as well since he recently retracted his statements concerning the lie.
Internet, personalities and nukes
Everything started to get a little jumbled. It was like eating pancakes topped with ketchup—makes no sense.
Cyber security was also brought up by Lester Holt. Despite the fact that Russia is hacking into American cyber networks, Trump is more concerned with building a stronger military force than an online one. Meanwhile, Clinton aims to attack Isis online in order to stop their propaganda. She also wants to organize an air strike against Isis.
The temperament of both candidates was also brought to light. Trump claims to have a better temperament than Clinton despite the fact that he was the only one of the two candidates that was constantly trying to talk over everyone else.
Both candidates agree that a the nuclear threat is a large problem. Trump believes that a deal with Iran will lead to nuclear problems. Clinton, however, wants to honor mutual defense treaties.
“I’m the BEST”
Exactly what it sounds like.
Trump then comments that he does not believe she has the stamina to be president. Clinton says that after he has to do negotiations he will see what stamina truly is. He agrees that she has experience but he considers it to be “bad experience.” Clinton fired back by bringing up the negative comments he has said about women and he defends his attacks on Rosie O’Donnell as warranted. Trump finally makes the point that the advertisements Clinton has created against him aren’t nice and are untrue.
WINNER (?)
The final question of the night was whether or not each candidate will support the outcome of the will of the voters. Clinton said that the election depends on the voters’ future and it is all up to them. Trump repeats his famous slogan that he wants to make America great again. However, if Clinton wins Trump agrees to support her.
Besides Trump’s distracting facial express and Clinton’s blindingly bright pantsuit, the debate was informative. It will be interesting to see what the next debate on Oct. 9 will hold.