Trump vs. Clinton: Who will win?

by Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia with permission

Donald Trump speaking at the Iowa Republican Party’s 2015 Lincoln Dinner at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Matthew Patrizio, Staff writer

Monday night, Sept. 26, played host to the very first Presidential Debate for this year’s election. The two candidates took to the stage at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, at 9 p.m. For 90 minutes, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton engaged in heated arguments about national defense, gender equality, and the many accusations and criticisms that each candidate has faced during their respective campaigns.

To many who watched the debate, it was clear that Secretary Clinton was much more prepared than her opponent. Clinton had clearly practiced her material, memorized her policies, and rehearsed her answers. She was able to remain calm and collected whereas Trump allowed himself to get aggressive and heated.

Clinton spoke clearly and concisely, outlining her plans of action, should she be elected. She handled any and all insults and accusations that Trump tossed at her professionally and with composure. Trump, however, would strongly insist that Clinton’s and the media’s claims against him were wrong and refused to accept responsibility for his actions.

While Clinton focused more so on why she would be a good choice for president, Trump merely pointed out how she would fail.

One of the hottest topics discussed at the debate was the racial tensions that are ever so prevalent in the United States. Trump explained his plans to reinstate the old New York City policy of “Stop and Frisk,” which was ruled unconstitutional in the 1990s. He was adamant about reinforcing “Law and Order” in communities in an attempt to bring an end to racial violence.

Clinton plans on approaching the issue include restoring faith and trust between the police and the community. Clinton believes that better police training and the reform of the criminal justice system will help to improve the tension.

Trump was also called out for his comments against women, to which he defended himself by saying that he only meant to be rude to Rosie O’Donnell.

Trump also stated that Clinton doesn’t have the stamina to be president. The former Secretary of State responded by listing all of her accomplishments and experience.

Although there are no announced winners, the debates are clear indicators of who’s closer to the White House. They give the American audiences a chance to see what path their country may go down. Many people believe that Clinton dominated because of her professionalism and composure, however some believe that Trump won because of the issues he brought up against his opponent.

The next Presidential Debate will take place on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Washington University in St. Louis, where more issues and topics will be tackled by the candidates.