The first presidential debate between Trump, Clinton

Last Monday’s presidential debate was the most disgusting display of childish nonsense I have ever watched on TV. On one side a blustering buffoon who speaks unencumbered by the thought process. On the other hand a congenital liar who has committed so many crimes she should be in prison for the rest of her life. Neither one gave any details of their “plans.” We still don’t know how they plan to accomplish their goals, how they can get Congress to work with them, how they plan to pay for their respective projects. Neither one came off as having leadership qualities. They both ignored the moderator at will and shouted over the other’s comments in a manner we would not accept from our children.

I wish I could vote against both of them and have it count. Surely there is someone better. Phillip Mills, Denver BBB

The people who set up the debate format and rules are presumably well educated. They should certainly understand the rationale for a debate. With no time penalty for interrupting the debater with the floor, there was little Lester Holt could do to control Donald Trump’s constant interruptions of Hillary Clinton. But perhaps the debate designers intended that Trump be allowed to demonstrate his need to engage in rude and uninformed bluster and bombast — for the benefit of the undecided voters, including the generally well-educated millennials, most of whom probably have some experience with proper debate. Steven M. Hannon, Beulah

Be still my beating heart. After Hillary Clinton suggested that Donald Trump has paid nothing in income taxes, Trump replied, “That makes me smart.” No denial, just bragging.This is the same man who expects support from the hardworking middle class who pay their fair share of taxes.

Please, Mr. Trump, do not bow out of the next debate. I’m waiting with bated breath to hear about your plans to make Mexico pay for your wall, your desire for stronger torture methods and your plan to eliminate the Department of Education. One can only imagine what will come out of your mouth.

The world will be watching and shuddering. Mary Meyer, Castle Rock

It would appear from watching Donald Trump’s performance at last Monday’s debate that he truly did not prepare, in any way, to seriously debate Hillary Clinton. Apparently he believes his huge ego automatically qualifies him to be president of these United States and thinks so little of the American voters that he isn’t willing to invest the time it takes to be a serious candidate. Also, he basically admitted that he is proud of the fact that he hasn’t paid federal income taxes in the past.

Even if a person believes in the smallest government possible, somebody still has to pave the roads, pick up the trash, etc. — and The Donald just doesn’t feel it necessary to contribute his fair share. Sad. Rodney Horton, Denver

The Clinton/Trump debates serve to inform and enlighten us on many issues. In the first debate, both candidates met expectations. Clinton performed as a practiced, prepared politician, and Trump, as a less-prepared non-politician, presented as the agent of change. Yes, there are facts to be checked and more information to be gained.

Philosopher Herbert Spencer is believed to have said, “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance — that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”

The investigation is not over, as there are two more debates. As Election Day approaches, an open mind will gain knowledge that overcomes ignorance and makes a more informed voter. Merlyn Karst, Denver