It was clear early in the debate, Hillary Clinton was well prepared, Donald Trump not so much. However, the debate was not the Clinton rout many pundits had predicted.<\/p>\n
Trump spent most of the debate on the defensive, interrupting and talking over Clinton while moderator Lester Holt did his best to keep the candidates on track.<\/p>\n
Some of the highlights<\/p>\n
Trump saying \u201claw and order\u201d numerous times while stating how he would use \u201cstop and search\u201d to bring crime under control. Holt pointing out \u201cstop and search\u201d tactics have been ruled unconstitutional, Trump responded \u201cNo you\u2019re wrong\u201d (Holt was correct). Clinton pointed out that crime rates are down across the country.<\/p>\n
Clinton called Trump out for his refusal to release his tax returns, a norm for all presidential candidates. She specifically suggested Trump has something to hide saying he may have paid no taxes. Trumps response \u201cthat makes me smart.\u201d Trump did say he would release his tax returns if Clinton released 30,000 emails from her private server. Holt responded, \u201cSo it\u2019s negotiable.\u201d Trump made clear the release of his tax returns is not negotiable.<\/p>\n
Trump brought up Clintons email scandal. Her reply \u201cthat was a mistake and I take full responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clinton brought up the many contractors and workers Trump\u2019s companies have not paid or short paid for their work and products. Trump responded \u201cit\u2019s all words, I\u2019ve built a great company\u2026..I\u2019ve taken advantage of the laws.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both seemed to agree on tougher gun control, Clinton specifically stating those on the \u201cno fly list\u201d should not be allowed to own guns.<\/p>\n
No major gaffs<\/p>\n
Trump knows he needs to win over women voters to take the White House. He came close to a Megyn Kelly<\/a> moment when he accused Clinton of not having \u201cthe look\u201d to be president. He quickly corrected himself by changing \u201cthe look\u201d to \u201cstamina.\u201d<\/p>\n Clinton did not make any obvious errors. She was able to put Trump on his heels early but, while it was obvious from his facial expressions he was angry he did not lose his cool as many expected.<\/p>\n Over all this debate belongs in Clinton’s win column but not by a wide margin. The next debate will be October 9, 2016.<\/p>\n