There's no debate about it - By Michelle Libby

When it came to Monday night’s Presidential debate, there was no doubt that American’s had their opinions about who won, who was right and who was the most ridiculous in the first of three debates. (Yes, there will be two more.)

Lester Holt was the journalist who was tasked with moderating the event. I don’t think even he knew what he was getting himself into. These two opponents were like caged animals ready to attack as soon as they were set free. Somewhere there is a picture of them shaking hands. Hillary looks like she’s telling Trump where he can shove his handshake and Donald looked down on her. 

Trump spent the night calling her Secretary Clinton, while she called him Donald, much like a teacher would call a student. He showed, at least in this instance, some respect for her title, if not for her. She had no such respect for him.

Hillary was well practiced. Was well spoken and backed the majority of her comments with facts, most of them accurate according to fact checkers. 

Trump was a wreck, repeating himself over and over and over again. I’m not sure I understood anything that he wanted to do for the country other than bring the big corporations and jobs back to the United States from places like Mexico. Oh and that he has investments in a lot of states. 

As a journalist I’ve been taught to listen for the sound bites. What makes a good quote? Hillary had them littered throughout her talking points. Remember the one where she’s also been preparing to be the President of the United States? Mic drop.

Only five minutes into the debate, it appeared that no one was moderating or keeping time or putting the candidates in their place. Lester, where were you? What happened? Obviously it’s going to take a stronger person to moderate the next debate, but who do you get when Lester Holt, one of the most trusted journalists isn’t able to control the candidates? His questions were great and would have been better if the candidates had actually answered them. 

This election I’m not sure voting the party line is the way to go. Republicans are disenfranchised with Trump. Democrats aren’t sure what to do with Hillary. Could this be the year that a third party candidate steps in and sweeps the race? Would that be scarier than the options before us? 

I’m looking forward to watching the next debate. There’s really nowhere to go but up. I’m hoping that someone will ask them about family values, because hearing the answer to that would be good television.