BY MATTHEW BURDITT
U.S. presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump came face to face for the first presidential debate on Sept. 26 in Hempstead, New York. It was the most-viewed presidential debate in history with approximately 80.6 million viewers tuning into the event. The debate sparked a lot of controversy over the candidates’ jabs at each other.
“The main thing that stood out was the personal attacks from each candidate, rather than focusing on actual issues,” said Oakville MP John Oliver.
Oliver said it’s not wrong to say that Clinton and Trump focused on personal hits. The hot topics coming out of the debate were Clinton’s already infamous email scandals and Trump’s claims of not paying federal taxes. The issue of the taxes was something that a lot of people were not taking kindly.
“Trump did not have a good evening,” said Sheridan professor Andrew Mitrovica. “A number of post-debate polls appear to suggest that he lost the debate badly.”
At this point, most people paying attention to the election have become fed up, sighting corruption and lying as the main reason. While it doesn’t effect us personally, it’s still important to be following the story.
“The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner,” said Oliver. “When the United States sneezes, Canada gets a cold. Our economies are linked and when theirs falters, the effects are directly felt in Canada.”
With so much at hand, it’s easy to turn away, but easy to stay glued to it. Whether you hate one or both candidates, this election will still be important for us to be following .
“The United States is both our friend and powerful ally. More than anyone else, students look forward to the future nd their future. Directions south of the border impact Canada’s future,” said John Oliver.
“The citizens of the United States will get the president they voted for. Our government and the government of the Unites States will continue to work together no matter who becomes president in November.”