The first presidential debate was an interesting one to say the least. This debate was a glaringly obvious symbol of what the country is encountering in the 2016 election: lack of respectful arguments, professionalism and coherent facts. The audience was admonished several times for making noise when it was made clear that there was to be no applause, cheering or laughter at any point besides the beginning and the very end of the event. Much of this applause and cheering was the result of Trump's statements. While many people rightfully agree that Trump's performance was incoherent and lacking substance, it's time we look at the bigger picture: who is this man and what part of the American people is he tapping into to gain so many supporters? Supporters who would cheer for ignorance and rudeness despite the long-standing rules of this type of debate?
In this article, I would like to tap into Trump's personality and leave out the politics. Trump supporters defend his "winning temperament," but what is it that they find the most endearing? Is it the charming way he interrupts dignified debate moderators such as Lester Holt? Or is it the way he pouts, scowls and complains about Hillary "not being very nice."
Donald, when did a presidential debate become about being nice?
Cue the eye rolls from Trump supporters, but when was the last time a man told another man during a debate, "That wasn't very nice," or "You don't have the stamina or look to be president?" But, that isn't the most aggravating part. The most outlandish thing about Trump's argument about Clinton, "not being nice" in her campaign commercials about him is that her commercials consisted of nothing if not actual footage of him saying things he's actually said!
For example...
"I'd look her right in that fat, ugly face of hers."
"A person who's flat-chested is very hard to be a ten."
"He's a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured, okay?"
Tell me, Donald, did you not say those things? You did? Oh, okay, then please tell me how Clinton betrayed you by showing the country the words you already publicly announced? The funniest part about Trump's argument is that he cannot even defend the words portrayed in Clinton's campaign ads. He looks down and murmurs "That isn't true," or, "Wrong, wrong, wrong," into the microphone.
It's time someone points out the obvious. Thank you, Hillary, for giving America a dose of who Trump really is. Thank you for your poise and professionalism, which is a feat of its own standing up there on stage with that man and the high stakes of this election. You're showing girls that being strong and powerful is not about being "nice" or being a "ten." It's about being true to what you believe in and being proud of your country while having the drive and the "stamina" to make it a better place for our little girls and for everyone.
