THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE--ONE DOWN TWO TO GO

            The big night everyone was looking forward to is now over and the results of the Clinton-Trump Presidential debate is still being debated. Who won is a matter of personal opinion—and political leanings. Over 84 million people gave up Monday Night Football to watch the two spar off on national television and many felt disappointed.

            Following the contemptuous battle for the minds and hearts of the American people major polls give the edge to Hillary Clinton. Apparently her concealed charm took center stage. She managed to appear calm, smiling and adroitly able to dodge the soft-ball questions put to her by noted liberal newscaster Lester Holt. On the other side Donald Trump might have increased his position if he had gone for Clinton’s throat but appeared to be reluctant to take advantage of the opportunities. She managed to leave open doors that normally would have been an invitation for defeat but Trump, for whatever reason didn’t take advantage.

            In addition the moderator, Holt, riddled Trump with insignificant questions as to President Obama’s place of birth (the “birther” nonsense), his tax returns and other topics that have little to do with the various crisis and issues America is facing today.

            Holt, holding to his left leanings, never questioned Clinton about her email scandal, Libya, the Clinton Foundation or any other subject that she has come under fire. No questions regarding her time with the Rose Law Firm, her relationship with Vince Foster, her making a ton of money with a $1,000 venture into the futures cattle market (her first experience ever by the way), and a list of other allegations that previously came under public scrutiny but were buried by political pressure. Like her husband Bill, she wore a coat of Teflon.

            The rules that apply to ordinary people are sharply disregarded when it comes to the Clinton’s.

            The points Trump tried to present were valid. When Hillary attacked him for not providing his tax returns (which by the way the majority of the American people couldn’t give a hoot about), he countered by saying he would instruct his attorneys to provide the tax records just as soon as Hillary produced the 33,000 deleted emails she had destroyed.

            And on and on it went for 90 minutes. Was anything of value revealed?” No. Was any issue of any value to American security? No. Was a complete truthful admission of alleged offences by either party proven? No.

            Frankly the weak presentation can be put to the feet of Lester Holt. He was completely ill prepared—or he simply didn’t want to score any attacks effecting Hillary. Who knows other than to examine the questions asked of both participants. It was recorded that Holt interrupted Trump some 40 plus times and Clinton only seven. Holt appeared argumentative when dealing with Trump but condescending with Clinton.

            Maybe it was the perfume she was wearing.

            But now there are two more debates to be held. No question Trump will spend some time licking his wounds but he is no fool. You can bet your bottom dollar he will be better prepared for the next bout.

            Yet even at that how will the majority of news outlets—both print and television—cover the next debate?

            There was a time when journalists held true to the facts. They relied on the “who, what, where, when,” when covering a story. But today it is much different. Bias is blazed across headlines, reporter’s opinion take precedent and what is supposed to read as news actually comes out more like a feature story.

            We make no bones as to our position in this column. We are conservatives. But in fairness we try to be honest in presenting the facts.

            For the sake of our country it is paramount that the American people judge these two candidates on their varsity, talent and love of country. Admittedly when Trump first came on the scene we were reluctant to take him seriously. His past record as a Democrat with liberal leanings scared a lot of folks including this writer. But on closer examination much came out as to his beliefs, patriotism and sincerity. Like he said; he doesn’t need the money he is interested only in the greatness of the United States and what the country can look forward to in the future. As for Hillary, well, everyone knows her record!

            If America continues down the road it has traveled for the past 20 years the nation has little hope of remaining a world power. Our security will be further compromised and our economy will be in the tank. The bitter pill of depression looms on what this election is all about. Our military is reduced to levels lower then when the United States was attacked by Japan, December 7, 1941. Today it seems our love of country is reduced to “what can I get?”

            And truth and honesty in government is an oxymoron.

            Let’s see what comes with the second debate. But fair warning; hold your breath!