By Genita Hawkins
Who won the presidential debate?
It all depends on whom you ask. Donald Trump supporters say Trump won, while Hillary Clinton supporters say Clinton won. Many were left speechless as to how Trump did not answer specific questions. Instead of giving direct answers like Clinton, he ran around some of the questions. He placed blame on Clinton, saying that everything she talked about in the debate had not been put into action in the past 10 years, so how can citizens trust that she will put anything into action as president?
Clinton seemed to enjoy getting underneath Trump’s skin, by bringing attention to the fact he has not yet turned over his tax records; also saying that if Trump wants the people of the United States to trust him, they need to see his taxes.
Trump countered that if Hillary shows emails deleted from her private email account then he will go against his lawyers’ wishes and show his tax records. The question was raised why Trump’s lawyers would not want him to show his tax records? Could Clinton’s accusations about him not having any federal tax records be true?
With the issue of race and police brutality, some people felt that both Trump and Clinton showed their views, but it was Trump who showed perceived bias with some of his remarks about police brutality and African American males. Trump went on the offensive at times calling out Clinton for not having the stamina to be president.
I believe Clinton won the debate. She handled Trump with facts. She answered each question directly. She showed that despite what Trump had to say about her or blamed her for, she never lost her cool. She was able to show a sense of understanding for the middle class. She pressed Trump to answer questions she knew he would not answer fully. And, her confidence shined especially with this quote: “I think Donald just criticized me for preparing for this debate. And, yes, I did. You know what else I prepared for? I prepared to be president. And I think that’s a good thing,” Clinton said.
The next presidential debate is going to air on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, at 8 p.m. Be sure to watch so that you can make the right decision when it comes time to vote.
Genita Hawkins is a Miles College student who serves as an intern with The Lewis Group.
