Modern gladiatorial contest
US PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS CLINTON AND TRUMP IN 90-MINUTE BATTLE OF ENDURANCE It was sometimes more toddlers bickering in the nursery.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump strode out cloaked in icy politeness. Yet within minutes their debate degenerated into bickering, insults and diatribes – a gladiatorial contest of modern times.
It was a 90-minute battle of endurance between two of the most famous people in America: Clinton, cool, calm and collected, almost serene as she smiled through the insults – and landed jabs of her own – while Trump gripped his podium, insisting he alone had the temperament to be commander-in-chief.
The Democrat Clinton projected steady experience. She proved her worth as the mistress of policy minutiae, pitching herself as the voice of reason, the former secretary of state who understands the world.
Trump the Republican played the populist bruiser, wielding the cutting insult and pitching to frustrated voters in the swing- state rust-belt, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, fed up with politicians and wanting change.
Both elicited laughter and cheers: Clinton for lofty comebacks. Trump for his quick digs but also for his outlandish claims.
“Donald, it’s good to be with you,” said Clinton as the cameras panned to the weakest of smiles in response from the Manhattan billionaire.
They came to blows over the economy, race, foreign policy and temperament.
It was sometimes less two presidential candidates slogging it out for the most powerful elected office on the planet and more toddlers bickering in the nursery.
“Donald thinks that climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese,” said Clinton. “I do not, I do not,” he protested.
“Donald, I know you live in your own reality,” swiped Clinton.
“Secretary – you have no plan,” hectored Trump.
As moderator, NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt was unable to get a word in edgeways.
It ended with a question over whether each would accept the outcome of the election. “If she wins, I will absolutely support her,” said Trump. – AFP