Presidential Debate Analysis

Let it be known that this analysis does not represent my personal opinion on who "my candidate" is. To be fairly honest, it was almost impossible for me to look at this debate, or the election for that manner, in a detached, objective way. This blog will be the best attempt that I can muster to look at this from a strictly analytical view-point.


From the start, it becomes clear that Hillary Clinton well spoken, she expresses her ideas clearly and concisely. She was able to answer the questions brought to her with ease, whether you agreed with her or not, she was able to get her answers and polices out there clearly. This was not so much the case with Donald Trump, it seemed his "answers" went in circles. He spent more of his time slightly avoiding the questions, or attacking Hillary on her policies relating to that question. He, to his credit, have strong, valid opinions about our trade relations and NATO relations. His policies on the latter, however, made him seem uninformed  To Hillary's discredit she does resort to direct insults calling Mr. Trump a racist and unstable. Both of the candidates bearing was questionable, Hillary didn't bother suppressing her chuckles, or her amusement at Donald's comments; at the same time Donald interrupted and interjected while Hillary was speaking on multiple occasions. Both candidates showed varying degrees of professionalism, in my opinion, Donald Trump more so.

Aside from those issues, looking closer we can actually find bias in the very questions being asked, to how and how they were asked. I found this online, and although it is not a direct reflection of my opinion on the subject matter, it is very hard to dispute what is shown News Article, In depth Analysis (Not mine). Lester Holt avoided asking any direct questions about any scandals or points of interest associated with Hillary Clinton. Whenever they were brought up, he would ask, ". . . do you want to respond to that" rather then asking her directly. Even most of his transitions to Hilary was simply stating her title to transition, rather then a refocused question like in Donald Trump's case.

Looking back at this debate, even though Hillary was objectively better spoken, both of the candidates did poorly. Focus on the questions without mud flinging stopped about half way through, at which point the debate became a debacle. The combination of the biased moderator, Mr. Trumps inability to speak clearly, and avoid slandering and Hillary's lack of bearing really lowered the quality of the debate as a whole.