Presidential Debate:

Imagine Donald Trump & Hillary Clinton are driving by your neighborhood! Where are they going? Probably a university close to you, to have a presidential debate. Let me focus on one specific university…. and a particular debate in Washington University in St. Louis M.O. (Wash U). The debate was at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9. 2016. The format for this debate was a Town Hall, which means people in the audience could ask questions. The main reason why candidates participate in presidential debates is because they are trying to convince the people that their ideas are better for America than the other candidate’s ideas. It is a way for them to get Americans to vote for them. Presidential debates are held late in election cycle, after the political parties have nominated their candidate. They meet in a large hall, often a university or some kind of college. The topics discussed in the debate are often the most controversial issues of the time like immigrants, taxes, and the ISIS problem.

I asked Daniel Soares, a senior at Clayton High School.  who he was voting for. This is a question that everyone lately wants an answer to. He responded. “HIllary”. When I asked why, he said, “Because Hillary wants to raise taxes for the wealthy, reform paths to citizenship, and she also wants to end gun violence.” When I asked him why he is against Trump. He explained, “because his campaign spreads hate, sexism, racism, bigotry (not liking people who think differently than you), xenophobia (the fear of foreign people), and intolerance (not accepting other people or their opinions).” “How do you think the debate went at WASH U?'' I asked him. Daniel said he “I thought the debate was a waste of time.” “Why?” I asked him. He responded, “At this point, the goal of the debate is to convince undecided voters who to pick. But, many undecided voters are deciding whether or not to go to the polls, and since the debate was just a shouting match, they probably weren't convinced.’’ Daniel shared. Why do you think the debate was a shouting match? I questioned. He said, “Because they were interrupting and shouting at each other, instead of answering the audience’s questions.”

The decision of who becomes the next president is based on how Americans vote. Find information before voting on someone. Also go watch the debates! Debates are an important way to notice what Trump or Hillary say or think. If you agree with their opinions of how they will deal with the issues that face America, you may get an idea about who you will vote for! Click Here to watch the presidential debate at WASH U!!!!