Today, September 26th 2016 was the first presidential debate. A debate proclaimed to go down in history and anticipated across not only the country but the world. As I sat on my living room couch watching the "pre-debate" discussions I couldn't help but wonder, how did we get ourselves here? Why is it that almost every citizen in America complains constantly about the presidential candidates? Isn't this a democracy? Wasn't it we the people who elected these two so called "knuckleheads" into office? Where is our democracy failing us to the point our people have to choose "the lesser of the evil" to vote for? I may never be able to fully grasp this concept or answer these questions. However, as the stage lights arose and the audience silenced my Monday night began to be filled with anxiety, frustration, comedy and overall an urge to go out and fight for my country. Sadly, at the unfortunate age of 17 I am not given the privilege to vote which this year is kind of a blessing considering I have no clue which side I would lean towards. 

 

As Hillary graced the stage with her presence she gave off a warm personable impression, shocking me considering her average cold-hearted classic political persona. Trump walked onto the supposed battle-ground with a professionalism like never seen before. These candidates were prepared for the biggest job interview of their lives and it was evident. The world sat waiting. Waiting for Hillary to dodge the question. Waiting for Trump to make a demeaning remark. The first bullet was fired as the topic of economic standpoint was placed into the hands of the opponents. Hillary Clinton grasped my attention as she brought up her views on the importance of the middle class. I believe our democracy thrives on a thriving middle class so I was shocked to find myself nodding along. Trump's strong viewpoint on supporting the upper-class scares me because of the fact I could see it leading our nation into another recession. His stance on once again becoming an isolationist country by pulling back on world trade and keeping jobs within America defiantly show in strong colors his business man nature. This concerns me because I could see history repeating itself leading to immense world poverty and a rise in communism. If my vote was solely on an economic stand point Clinton has my vote. 

The next topic was raised, concerning racial hurt throughout our nation. Clinton continues in her political nature by dodging the question and speaking on the recent tragedies involving our law enforcement and the minority racial groups. She claims we need to restore trust between the people and the law. We can do this by promoting law enforcement training, reducing jail time and making sure law enforcement carries the majority of the guns in America. While she provides a very clear path of action she fails to recognize the cracks in her system. To begin with, she stated she spoke to police officers asking about additional training and they agreed. Well folks, in what occupation will someone turn down training? Every hard worker who is passionate about their occupation will accept training. It does not matter how superiorly trained our law enforcement is if the people do not respect the law it will not prevent crime. Additional training for police officers will not heal racial hurt in America. Clinton also brings up the fact that "we need to take weapons out of the hands of civilians and into the hands of officers. Excuse me but in what government ruled by the PEOPLE does the government carry the majority of the weapons. Secondly, were going to supposedly put these weapons in the hands of officers however the officers must never shoot someone of the opposite race for fear of discrimination? Trump's views grew my interest as his con gun-control stance was evident and he stated, "We need to bring back law and order". Although a swift statement of his opinion followed more personal attacks on Hillary and boasts about his successful businesses I would have to cast my vote for Trump security wise. Because let’s face it putting your plan to defeat Isis on your website isn't the brightest idea Mrs. Clinton. 

Overall, I was discouraged at the fact that the politicians simply don't answer the question. I want to know their opinions! However, I figured out the system they use 

1. Agree that the question is a question

2. State why the question is relevant

3. State a recent event in which this has occurred

4. Address the problems

5. State why their opponent has contributed to this problem

Is it too much to ask for a solution? A wise man once said, "The solutions to today's problems often contain the seeds for tomorrows problems”. Why do our nominees not have solutions or clear plans they are willing to share with our nation? Were the founding fathers simply avoiding the issues in our nation or bringing up key points in order to please minorities? If George Washington was concerned about people's opinions of him as much as Trump and Clinton we would not have such a strong nation. I appreciated the fact that Trump continued to refer back to the Amendments and the Constitution while Hillary never spoke of the very documents our nation was founded on. Likewise, I think Hillary represented herself well and came prepared to face a giant with orange skin and crazy hair.

 I want to conclude with the fact that this debate gave me hope. Yes, I am crazy for saying this. For the first time in history we have a women candidate. For the first time in history a non-politician stands as good of a chance as a politician. Our constitution continues to live, breath and pump blood thorough the body of our nation. I have hope that I live in a nation that I can go out and make it what I want it to be. This debate opened my eyes to the fact that my opinions matter and I need to have them and know them and constantly be reevaluating my job as a citizen.