By Jonathan Moniz, Staff Writer
Contentious is one word that could be used to describe the 2016 presidential election. Horrifying is another. I’d say both would be equally applicable.
In an election season marked by more mud-slinging and personal attacks than anyone dares to remember, the second presidential debate that took place on October 9 stood poised to be more vitriolic, an ode to the stain of the season.
Between the misogynistic videos released about Trump and the Wikileaks of the Clinton campaign, this threatened to be more popcorn fodder. It was a reality TV show for the masses, with politics as its theme.
The impacts of this second debate have been severe, such as Trump engaging in a civil war with his own party while others panic and flee his election, seeking to conserve their own electorate bases. This fight is Trump’s Rubicon, and there’s no going back. It’s now to see whether he will prove to be Caesar or Pompey.
The debate covered the controversy with Trump, discussed both their policy points (or lack thereof), and had the two candidates trading barbs constantly, with Trump declaring to hire a “special prosecutor to look into Clinton’s case” and make sure to put her behind bars.
The most significant point to be made, however, is that Trump has dealt-in on the cards that got him to be the Republican nominee—the populist and the politically incorrect statements that he cherishes.
While Clinton is not perfect, since she has made several mistakes and has a history spottier than a Dalmatian, this debate proved to me one thing: In light of these scandals, and in light of the recent progress society has made with rights and the ongoing discussion about equality, we can’t afford Trump. Just think about what we would stand to lose.
Furthermore, let’s talk about Clinton for once. Trump has been all over the news lately, and I’m sick of talking about him. You’ve already heard everything.
Consider Clinton’s points during this debate, especially those concerning the promise of clean energy and the inclusion of families. Reflect on the genuinely caring tones she took when addressing a woman who expressed her fears for an America under her opponent. Consider the new, equal, and open society she offers us.
Clinton promotes the women who make wonderful contributions to society by coming into the workforce and bringing ideas and discussions we really need to have about gender and equality, as opposed to the “locker room talk” that Trump relies on, which would send us back to the 1950s.
Consider also who and what Clinton stands for: The thousands of families and millions of people who bring culture, diversity, and open-minded views to a society that, while promoting free-speech, has been so monotone in its discussion it’s grown stale.
The simple fact is that these people deserve to have a home and a better life here, away from war, crime, destitution, and poverty, not to mention that the increasingly global connections of the world, and the fact that our schools are now open to students from other nations and places, allow for us to all engage in free and open discourse.
Mainly, this certain lawyer from Illinois supports and aims for the dream where all people walk equal, side by side as part of the future, and where millions of children nationwide are provided education, healthcare, a secure future.
Clinton could become the symbol for millions of little girls that a woman is able to hold the highest office in the land, but now it is indeed possible for that “highest of glass ceilings” to finally break.
This debate shows the power of language, and the importance of words used frequently as power to break and mold people into the roles we wish. Trump has shown, by his words and actions, what he stands for.
What I think, for once, is the fact that Clinton’s points from the debate, so deliberately under-shadowed in favor of Trump, are something to be excited for. Her promises, from energy to social reconstruction and progress, are something to spark genuine enthusiasm.
This debate isn’t about Trump anymore. Barack Obama, her former rival, and Bernie Sanders, her newest one, have both done the right thing and fallen in line behind her hope for change. Let’s trust the people we always have, and look to where they are casting their votes.
I’d say it’s time we do as well. Let’s remember what we stand for as people, and not hand that over to a demagogue.