As we all could have predicted, the face-off between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump was nothing short of a disaster. Clinton was sure to remind us how unqualified Trump is to be our president, while Trump tried convincing America that, though he has made mistakes, Clinton is much worse. What used to be a face-off between equally qualified candidates, trying to prove to America they are the better choice has turned into a mudslinging battle between two hardly qualified candidates, trying to convince Americans their opponent is the worst choice. Much of America is at a loss for words as to how we even came to this predicament, but Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton perfectly illustrate our reactions while watching the debate.
1. When you realized who those four women were that Trump brought to the debates.
Half of us were Bill, approving Trump's radical move to parade the women right in front of the Clinton's. The other half of us were shocked like Hillary. I mean, the gall! We knew Donald Trump was ballsy and distasteful, but my goodness. I suppose we should have known it would come to this, given the trajectory of their campaigns. As tacky as it was, however, it made an impacting point that is all too often ignored by Clinton supporters. How can Clinton claim to be a feminist or pro women's rights when four victims who she had previously silenced sit right in front of her? I can only imagine what Kathy Shelton would have to say to her, given the chance.
2. When neither Trump nor Clinton had the decency to shake the other's hands.
Most of us knew this would be a childish game of insults, but I really didn't think it would happen within the first few seconds. Really, guys? It takes two seconds to show each other the slightest amount of respect required to squeeze hands and move them up and back down one time. This exchange set the awful mood for the rest of the night.
3. When they couldn't even answer the very first question asked.
Patrice Brock asked the candidates if they were "modeling appropriate and positive behavior for today's youth," and neither of our elected candidates actually answered the question. Clinton started talking about what her campaign can do in the future and Trump went on some rant about all the things wrong with our country that he'll fix. Neither of which addressed whether antics on both sides were good models of action for children. The proper answer to that question is no. No, these candidates have not been good role models for American children. Or American adults for that matter.
4. When Trump brought the past rape allegations into the debate.
That's it. It has officially started. Let's pop some popcorn, sit back and see who wins the insult battle.
5. When you think for a split second Clinton is going to take the high road, but ends up inadvertently bashing Trump anyway.
She's going to do it. He went low, but she's going high and not respond... Oh, wait. There it is.
6. "Because you'd be in jail."
At this point, the hopes of any substance are out the window and the humor in Trump's ridiculous one liners becomes apparent. I still can't believe he said that.
7. When Clinton finally started making sense about health care.
Yes! We're finally talking about some issues!
8. But then turns around and suggests Trump is working with Russia.
That didn't last long.
9. Every time Clinton mentioned her Fact Check website.
A fact check on Clinton's web page that claims truth or falsity of Trump's statements? Something about the partisan of that very website makes me wonder how accurate that really is. We're all critical thinkers here. We can do more accurate fact checks on our own, thanks.
10. Every time Trump interrupted.
For goodness sake, stop. We're all adults here, right? We all know how to hold a proper discussion. Apparently, Mr. Trump forgot, so let me refresh your memory: You talk, she talks. You respond, she responds. It's pretty simple, really.
11. When they kinda sorta spoke a little bit about the issues in the last half.
Neither of them still really answered the questions, but they at least spoke some words that weren't in some way insulting the other. Now you don't know which version is worse.
12. When Carl Becker was our hero and demanded some positivity for the night.
Carl Becker? Four cheers for you Carl Becker! You go, Carl Becker!
13. When the debate ended and we all still fear the future of our country.
I think you're right Madam Secretary. The stakes are high in this election. America can't afford a Trump or Clinton presidency. Perhaps we should all just write in our dads.
