Area residents sound off on presidential debate
Local residents are split on who was more effective in Monday’s first presidential election debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.
For some, the debate was a way for them to decide who to vote for in November, something that normally would not be so tricky. Some residents see
this election as a “pick your poison ordeal.”
For others, the debate pushed local voters to one side or the other.
Peter Card of Gansevoort, who describes himself as “undecided,” said Monday’s debate is causing him to lean toward Trump.
“He seemed like he wasn’t afraid of any of the questions,” Card said. “I also liked that he said he would release his tax information when Hilary releases her 33,000 emails. That to me really said something.”
Other local voters, however, believe Clinton emerged as the victor.
Anna Deloria, of Stillwater, said, “Hillary definitely had some better points, and Trump’s points weren’t even points.”
“He just attacked his opponent and didn’t really talk about his values,” Deloria said. “He also tried to plug his company a few times.”
National observers and pundits have said in the aftermath of Monday’s debate that the event may not swayed many voters who were undecided or not planning on voting for either Trump or Clinton before watching.
One of those is Cynthia DeYoung of Schuylerville, who said she doesn’t want to vote for either candidate but said she would lean toward Clinton.
“She was more informed and has more political experience, although I think she has that radical mindset that could bring about change, just not in the areas that matter,” DeYoung said. “They each have an old-fashioned way of life that won’t bring any economic change, which is what we really need. It shouldn’t be normal for a mother to have to work three jobs to support her two kids. When did that become OK?”
DeYoung said she believes the media has reported misinformation about the candidates and the race, which she believes has had an impact on the contest.
“You really have to search to find the truth. That’s not such a problem for the younger generation,” she said. “They know how to navigate the Internet. They don’t have to rely on one of three networks for coverage. Hillary and Donald don’t pay off independent sources. Online, you are free to say what you please. I don’t buy anything that either of these candidates are saying. They’ll say it if it gets them support or money to buy support.”
Jon Palmer of Schuylerville said he believes Trump was the clear winner of the debate.
“Trump was just more on topic,” he said. “And Hillary? Hillary seemed like she was just attacking Trump. Maybe that was all she could do. At the end of the debate she seemed defeated, especially when she stated that she made a mistake with the emails. Trump had her in a corner.”
Donna Barillaro of Malta said she is leaning toward Clinton because she believes the former secretary of state was better prepared for the debate, but she also praised Trump for some of his answers.
“I also think Trump made some good economical points,” Barillaro said. “I mean, there’s bad to both, but she seemed more prepared, and he seemed pretty nervous.”
Rob Bauer of Hebron said he doesn’t think Monday’s debate is going to matter come November, although he thinks Clinton had a better performance.
“Now I don’t really want to say that either one of them ‘won,’ but I think that Hilary seemed more prepared in terms of knowledge and command,” he said. “Trump’s still going to have voters, though. Those numbers are not going to change. I think that people have probably made up their minds by now.”