The debate last night was interesting to say the least. From the discussion of our economic climate to race relations to gun violence, a significant amount of ground was covered when it comes to the issues facing our nation. Hillary Clinton, for the most part, maintained a cool and collected exterior. Donald Trump, in the contrary, frequently interrupted Clinton and had mild outburst. But the topic of temperament (though hilariously discussed at the debate) was not the most outstanding aspect of the debate. What stuck out to me, the most, was Trump’s inability to truly answer any question.
I must concede: Trump actually started the debate relatively strong. With the topic of economic development and the need for job growth, Trump shone over Clinton by explaining his proposal for tax cuts for the rich in order to enact the “trickle-down theory” heralded by Ronald Reagan. Though I disagree about Trump’s platform, I have to agree that he did a good job presenting it and thoroughly explaining his plan while Hillary remained semi-vague with simple references to building jobs in infrastructure and technology.
When the discussion on the economy died down, though, Trump’s oral success died with it. It became obvious that Trump’s forte is within the economy and jobs. After all, he knows how to handle and grow money, right? (I mean, I probably would be too if I started out with a small loan of $14 million.) But when issues such as race relations and gun violence were brought into the discussion, Trump failed to actually answer the question.
It almost seemed cyclical that Lester Holt would ask Trump how he plans to fix a problem, and Trump would proceed to explain that it is a problem. He seemed unaware of the fact that we all already know they are problems, we want to know how he plans to FIX them. Police brutality? Yes it’s a problem, and we need to know how he plans to fix it. Gun violence? Yes it’s a problem, and we need to know how he plans to fix it. Terror threats? Yes it’s a problem, and we need to know how he plans to fix it. (Donald Trump being a major party’s nomination? Yes it’s a problem, and we need to know how to fix it. *eye roll*.)
At the next debate, I really hope Donald Trump is more direct with his answers. I want to hear Trump’s platforms and policies without the unnecessary rhetoric around his answers. As interesting (hilarious) as it is to watch, I think it’d be best for the American population for the answers in debates to actually make sense.
