The first of three presidential debates between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton took place last night, September 26th. Moderated by Lester Holt, the debate focused on three main topics; achieving prosperity, America’s direction, and keeping the nation secure.
The debate kicked off with Holt asking how each candidate would ensure America’s economy remains, or becomes, prosperous under their presidency.
The conversation began with the candidates talking about their plan for improving the economy. Trump coming from a business background understandably has a different take than Clinton coming from a political background. Both believe they have the best plan to improve the economy.
Trump started off the debate particularly strong, he had a lot to say about policies and things Clinton had done in the past. Clinton didn’t seem to start off as strong, but she got stronger as the debate went on.
Clinton: “I am determined that we are going to get the economy really moving again” #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
Trump attacked Clinton for supporting the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Donald Trump says NAFTA is the worst deal the country has ever signed #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
To learn more about what NAFTA really is, take a look at this website that explains it all #debates #hive55 https://t.co/iwaMmSZ0dG
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
The debate got more heated when the conversation shifted to tax reform. Clinton talked about the fact that Trump has refused to release his tax returns. Trump stated that his taxes were currently being audited, and he would release his tax returns once the audit was complete. He also offers to release his tax returns if Clinton releases her private emails.
Trump says he will release his tax returns when Clinton releases her 33,000 emails. #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
Clinton: “I have no reason to believe that he will ever release his tax returns because there is something he is hiding.” #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
The second topic discussed was focused on America’s direction.
Both candidates agree that something needs to be done in terms of our criminal justice system.
Clinton: “Everyone should be respected by the law, and everyone should respect the law. This is not the case.” #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
Trump: “We have to bring back law and order.” #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
The final topic of the debate discussed securing America. Clinton and Trump butted heads in terms of how to handle cyber security.
Clinton says we will not sit idle while Russia and other states perform cyber attacks on our country’s information. #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
Trump says that under President Obama, we have lost control over things we once had control of. #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
Although many hoped for a debate surrounding the issues, with such a heated campaign few people were surprised when both candidates attacked the other on everything from something they said in the 1970s to their appearance. The biggest weakness of this entire campaign has been the back and forth between the two candidates that has nothing to do with their presidential abilities.
Clinton: “I have a feeling that by the end of this evening i will be blamed for everything that has ever happened.” #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
Trump: “I have much better judgement than she has, I also have a much better temperament.” #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
Trump states that Clinton “doesn’t have the stamina” to be president of this country. #debates #hive55
— Sandra K Harris (@SHarrisDetroit) September 27, 2016
Moderator Holt seemed to lose control of the debate at points. He tried to cut candidates off when their time was up, but both Clinton and Trump continued to talk despite his pleas. In such a tense debate, the moderator really needed to step up in order to keep things on topic and on time.
Three of the third party candidates who were not a part of the debate chimed in on twitter. These tweets come from Former Governor Gary Johnson for the Libertarian Party, Dr. Jill Stein for the Green Party and Darrell Castle for the Constitution Party for the U.S.
I agree, @realDonaldTrump, that you should have tremendous stamina #debates pic.twitter.com/To5XYuLVBe
— Gov. Gary Johnson (@GovGaryJohnson) September 27, 2016
I’m the only candidate who doesn’t take money from corporations, corporate lobbyists or super PACs. #OccupyTheDebates #debates
— Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) September 27, 2016
DT started strong ended less so and HC started slowly but ended stronger.
Thank God this debate is over……America loses.— Darrell Castle (@DarrellCastle) September 27, 2016
If you want your voice to be heard, it’s important that you get out and vote.
They say 100M people are watching these #debates. If you’re interested enough to watch, I hope you’re interested enough to vote. We need you
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 27, 2016
Don’t let the fact that you aren’t registered yet keep your voice from being heard.
Here’s how to register to vote https://t.co/oCiQbbDDuJ #debatenight
— The Independent (@Independent) September 27, 2016