Debate takeaway: who really stole the show?
Christian Segers, Staff Writer
Photo Credit, Benjy Sarlin, Alex Seitz-Wald, NBC News.
Monday night’s debate between businessman-turned-politician Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton drew an audience of roughly 84 million viewers, while sparking conversation on matters of policy and presidential decorum.
Both candidates have been eager to claim victory for the on-stage battle, but the answer to who actually won the debate, lies heavily with whom you ask. While most news outlets have been quick to claim Trump the winner, some, such as CNN, have been skeptical. However, publicity is publicity and simply being on the stage created free press for both sides.
The Audience:
Although mostly silent during the evening, the audience erupted into applause several times throughout the debate. The first significant audible crowd reaction could be heard after Trump stated that he would release his tax records if and when Clinton releases the 30,000 emails that have continued to haunt her campaign. Upon chiding from Lester Holt, the debate moderator, the crowd was temporarily stifled. However, further remarks from both Trump and Clinton brought cheers to the spectators, leaving Holt with no choice but to continue his questioning through momentary noise.
Audience civility rating: C+ / Audience enthusiasm rating: A+
Lester Holt:
Aside from the audience, moderator Holt had numerous obstacles to overcome to maintain order for any amount of time during the debate. With the focus of the hour and a half spectacle supposedly being on domestic policy, the economy and law and order, Holt did little to revert the attention of the debate back to those talking points. Both candidates strayed numerous times from the topics given and pandered to the audiences that had supported them prior. Additionally, news organizations and private citizens alike have ravaged Holt’s performance due to his crackdown of Trump on several minor talking points, while completely ignoring or skimming over pertinent points pertaining to Clinton. Missing from the questions posed were ones regarding: Benghazi, Clinton’s email scandal, the Clinton Foundation, her lies under oath and the ignoring of confidentiality breaches. However, under the circumstances and the national spotlight, Holt arguably remained largely in control of the debate, for which, his rating receives a boost.
Holt’s Rating: B-
Donald Trump:
Throughout the debate, Trump seemingly commanded the podium. To the viewers back home, he appeared confident and in charge, dominating the majority of the discussion. Trump’s focus was undoubtedly geared towards individuals who have been hurt by the shipping of jobs to China and Mexico, while portraying himself as the job creator America desperately needs. According to CNN Money, Trump has created at least 30,000 jobs and will bring that experience, if elected, in to the White House.
Trump enlisted his past experience in the public sector as a major upside to his presidential ticket, while criticizing the Clintons and other establishment figures as incapable of reversing negative economic trends. Always a headline grabber, Trump let lose several zingers directed at Clinton’s email scandal and her lingering health issues, with the overt intent to cast doubt on Clinton’s ability to perform as commander-in-chief. Perhaps the biggest take from the debate, was that Trump managed to combat head to head with a skilled, seasoned, articulate politician. The experience lent to Trump on Monday night will undoubtedly serve as a building block for the two upcoming debates. Trump did well, but before rating his performance, it is crucial to overview that of his opponent’s.
Hillary Clinton:
Clinton entered Monday night’s debate with numerous questions surrounding her campaign. Since the former Secretary of State has faced numerous accusations regarding her health and integrity in recent months, it was imperative that she dispel any notion that she is unfit to lead the nation from the Oval Office.
From the get go, Clinton appeared poised and confident in her statements. Throughout her line of questioning, she seldom wavered and instead, addressed Holt’s every question with calculated answers. During the times in which it seemed that the questioning might bring up allegations of the past, she did well to curb them immediately and instead revert the attention of the debate to Trump’s lack of political experience or conflicting policy positions.
Unfortunately, both candidates delivered flawed performances. Trump made a name for himself (politically speaking) at the outset of his campaign, by delivering often-brash comments and engaging in questionable rhetoric. At times on Monday night, it appeared as if that version of Trump would prevail again. Several times, Trump spoke loudly over the moderator and demanded to continue his statements and at times interjected during Clinton’s. However, Trump reigned-in several opportunities to challenge Clinton on matters of scandal and instead focused (mostly) on policy questions.
On the other hand, Clinton injured her poised image when she echoed campaign sound bytes and name calling directed at Trump. A few of the highlighted depictions she used to paint her opponent were: racist, crazy and sexist. Additionally, she could be seen laughing and scoffing at statements Trump made that appeared to resonate with the audience and undermine her authority.
Debates are traditionally won by candidates who state their viewpoints and policy proposals the clearest. In this way, they show their challenger(s) and the American people that they are capable of the position. However, the first presidential debate between billionaire businessman and lifetime politician proved to be anything but.
Due to the aforementioned points, both candidates had good and bad aspects that factored in to their overall debate performance. While both candidates showed signs of presidential appeal, neither practiced the decorum needed to “win the night.” Due to these reasons, the debate can be seen as a draw.
Trump: B
Clinton: B
