The past few months of individual party debates have shown more of a childish nature. Some of these debates actually looked as if they were an episode of Real Housewives. On Monday night, the first presidential debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton was not exception.
From the beginning, this debate seemed like it would be another one of those situations, but Hillary Clinton soon took control. While Trump was going back to his old antics and attempts to insult and belittle, Clinton used it to her advantage, taking his insults and instead focusing on her policies and past career successes. At the same time she also highlighted Trump’s own ignorance, especially about statements he has already made.
Clinton talked about some of the topics that matter in this country right now. She stated that out of the top 10 leading causes of African American death, gun violence accounted for more than the past nine causes together. She was also able to highlight her own political success, and show that she could brush off petty insults. But when Trump was insulted, he seemed offended and wouldn’t let it go. Some of his complaints were being accused of blaming the Chinese for inventing climate change, even though he tweeted that statement in 2012.
Hillary was able to say she has a plan to beat ISIS, that America needs tighter cyber security, and that not only do citizens need to respect police but that police need to realize they are there to protect and serve. Trump also made a comment on Hillary Clinton’s stamina and said she wasn’t “fit to be president.”
Clinton was successfully able to prove that Trump has not been about the American people but instead about himself. When talking about the 2006 housing crisis, Clinton stated Trump hoped the housing market collapsed because he saw “great opportunities” to buy up foreclosed houses. When the topic of Trump’s tax returns came up and she said he hasn’t paid taxes except for three years, Trump said “that makes me smart.” Trump was also exposed for not paying his employees because they didn’t “do a good enough job.” One specific case was when Trump did not pay an architect but still used the designs. That architect was in the audience as a Clinton guest.
Through his debate performance, Trump showed that he has racist and misogynistic views. There was clear evidence that he was unprepared for the debate and didn’t have information. At the end of the debate there was an after party for Trump’s victory that he did not attend. Possibly, he didn’t have the stamina for his own party.
One statement Clinton said fully sums up this debate: “I think Donald just criticized me for preparing for this debate. And, yes, I did. And you know what else I prepared for? I prepared to be president. And I think that’s a good thing.”
