Like many Americans around the country, I tuned in to watch the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. My immediate reaction after watching 90 minutes of "debate" was that America was really facing the choice between two absolute clowns.
Mr. Trump was his usual combative self that he showed in the Republican primary, unafraid to interrupt Mrs. Clinton and lacking of respect for the decorum of the forum. He repeatedly defended his "inability" to release his tax returns, his "birther" quest against President Obama, and his business record. He was given far too much leeway by the moderator Lester Holt, and at times the debate looked like a squabble between two stubborn five-year olds. The fact checking was lackluster and Mrs. Clinton got in a jab with a mention of her website which hosted real-time fact checking. In general, she appeared more at ease, more presidential, and more crowd friendly. She looked directly into the camera at times as if she was talking to all of America, not just the moderator or the physical crowd. Trump on the other hand, looked uncomfortable and annoyed at times, coming off as rude and unnecessarily combative. He had decent points at times, for example on trade, but the way he presented himself was poor. Instead of hitting hard with facts, he attacked Clinton herself.
Mrs. Clinton is not immune to criticism, however. At times, her tone lacked the respect that should be given to any opponent, regardless of how childish he may be at times. Also, she mentioned the long hours in congressional hearings in reference to the Benghazi investigation as evidence of her stamina and strength. Mrs. Clinton, spending hours in congressional meetings over your possible misconduct is not something to be proud of. Overall, it was a clear victory for Mrs. Clinton, and the Trump campaign needs to look on how to turn around the next debate.
One thing I found absolutely hypocritical was the intense focus on Trump's "sniffling" after the debate. Now, obviously this was in return for the Trump campaign's misguided focus on Mrs. Clinton's health. Michelle Obama said at the Democratic National Convention that "when they go low, we go high." This phrase was quoted on many news outlets, yet they gleefully jumped on the clips of Trump sniffling. Don't pretend to be "the bigger man" in this election. Don't pretend to be on the moral high ground. Because in the end, it's all the same. Neither candidate plays nicely, and it's foolish to pretend otherwise.
