This is the first debate Iāve watched in a long time. Like any political debate there was very little substance. The answers provided didnāt give much detail. I think very few people changed their mind based on the debate. But with nationwide politics the whole point is to appeal to the narrow middle who decide the outcome. Each candidate fights to be the most moderate. This is why Hillary Clinton, a multi millionaire who achieved her wealth through politics, kept using the term āmiddle classā.
The question then is who most appealed to the middle class. Trumpās appeal is in the notion that our country is in terrible shape because of the politicians who have run it. Clintonās appeal is that the country is doing well because people like her have been running it. So it all comes down to which position the middle ground voters resonate with.
The debate moderation was not surprisingly biased against Trump. Holt asked silly questions designed to embarrass Trump.
HOLT: Mr. Trump, for five years, you perpetuated a false claim that the nationās first black president was not a natural-born citizen. You questioned his legitimacy. In the last couple of weeks, you acknowledged what most Americans have accepted for years: The president was born in the United States. Can you tell us what took you so long?
Here the moderator works in the word false and also race. What does race have to do with the claim? For that matter is Obama the first Black president? He is mixed race, unless you go by the racist idea that just one drop of Black blood makes you Black. Holt should fact check his own questions.
Another question was designed to make Trump look sexist.
HOLT: Mr. Trump, this year Secretary Clinton became the first woman nominated for president by a major party. Earlier this month, you said she doesnāt have, quote, āa presidential look.ā Sheās standing here right now. What did you mean by that?
What does her being a woman have to do with anything?
But Clinton wasnāt asked about any of her many problems except for the emails which was asked almost in passing.
HOLT: He also ā he also raised the issue of your e-mails. Do you want to respond to that?
Here regarding an issue of judgment and possible criminal conduct related to Clintons actual government work Holt decides to skip any biased characterization and just let Clinton make a statement.
Overall I think Trump appeared more genuine and Hillary more canned. I do think Trump was able to somewhat contain himself. He tended to ramble as he does. He failed to shut down effectively a few issues or take good political advantage of Hillary attacks. For instance when Hillary brought up bankruptcy he should have tied her to the Wall Street bailouts. Both were true to themselves so it all comes down to what appeals most to the middle.
