debate : /dəˈbāt/ noun - a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.

Seems simple enough, right?

However during the first Presidential Debate which took place on Monday, September 26th, candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton turned the political discussion into a blow for blow argument which carried elements of a Comedy Central Roast. (Let it be known, Donald Trump was actually one of the subjects of a Comedy Central Roast in 2011, but that's besides the point.)

While some may find the argumentative/insulting jabs entertaining, it strays away from the content the debate is supposed to bring to the audience. Instead of backing up their ideas and concepts with legitimate information, the candidates become more worried about getting the one-up on the opposition in the punchline department. Rather than give the audience different perspectives on possible plans and details on what they would like to do if elected president (giving the public actual reasons in voting for a candidate), Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump are repeating lines over and over again which begin to seem memorized.

In my opinion, the Presidential Debates need to stop being attacks on one another, and instead get back to an informative compare/contrast discussion which can open the eyes of the audience, and bring political knowledge to those who tune in; rather than being a media headline hotspot.

The second Presidential Debate is scheduled for Sunday, October 9th, at 9 p.m.