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Clinton versus Trump: A recap of the first debate

Our favorite moments from the biggest political event in a generation

By on September 26, 2016

Clinton or Trump? Photos: ABC/ Ida Mae Astute
Clinton or Trump? Photos: ABC/ Ida Mae Astute

It’s over. The soundbites have been delivered, the questions have been avoided, and Lester Holt has overcome the horrible precedent set by Matt Lauer.

The first presidential debate of 2016 has just wrapped, and Metro Weekly was live-tweeting the whole way. As we wait for reaction polls to roll in, memes to be formed, opinion pieces to be drafted, and Democrats and Republicans alike to tout victory for their side, we’ve gathered some of our favorite tweets (self-serving, we know, but we’re pretty proud) for those who weren’t able to watch live — or just want to relive some of the highlights.

Clinton started off with one of her most used soundbites, investing in people.

Evidently aware of any perceived sexism, Trump was disarmingly polite to Clinton at the start. That changed pretty quickly.

The candidates sparred on Trump using the Great Recession to profit.

Clinton landed one of several zingers during the debate.

And then spoiled it by failing to criticize President Obama and his support for TPP.

Trump attacked Clinton’s facts, an amusing ploy from a candidate who has come under increased scrutiny for his loose relationship with the truth.

As the back and forth started to get heated, Trump got steadily louder — including his tried-and-tested tactic of leaning right up to the microphone in order to be heard.

Trump repeatedly attacked Clinton, seemingly blaming all of the country’s problems on the former Secretary of State.

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Trump blasted Clinton, and other politicians, for being “all talk, no action.”

Trump’s taxes came under scrutiny as Lester Holt needled him on his reluctance to release his tax returns.

Clinton followed that by insinuating that Trump wasn’t as wealthy as he claims.

As talk turned to business and jobs, with Trump touting his business successes, Clinton zoned in on Trump’s numerous failings.

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Trump, again, attacked Clinton but also himself.

He also defended using bankruptcy laws.

As the debate pivoted towards race — and America collectively tensed a little — Trump resumed one of his favorite talking points, telling African-Americans (and now Hispanics, too) that their lives are awful.

Clinton reiterated her strong position on gun control.

It was unintentional (we assume), but while describing those who shouldn’t have access to guns, camera angles and gestures led to an amusing moment from Clinton.

Clinton stated that major crime was down in New York — which is true — but Trump wasn’t convinced.

In a telling moment, Trump attacked Clinton for bothering to know things.

And in another telling moment, Trump once again tried to paint his racist “birther” campaign as a valiant effort.

Trump tried to deflect by saying Clinton was disrespectful to Obama during their primary contest in ’07/’08.

Talk turned to cyber security, with Clinton blaming Russia for the DNC hack.

Trump wasn’t convinced.

Trump spoke at length about America’s numerous and seemingly unending problems.

Talk turned to ISIS and Trump’s “secret” plan to defeat them.

Clinton commented several times that viewers at home could fact check Trump at any point from a number of sources.

Trump, meanwhile, was busy reminding everyone of how little he actually thinks about the various things he’ll have influence over should he be president.

Case in point, while criticizing the Iran deal:

Trump also continued to assert that he didn’t support the Iraq war. That’s not true.

This elicited a chuckle. We have so many questions…

This was a big moment. Trump, while talking to Clinton, described President Obama as “your president.”

As the lies mounted, Clinton let loose, unleashing Trump’s least favorite thing: facts.

And after Trump alienated himself from almost every foreign power, Clinton stepped in, ever the diplomat.

Trump repeatedly bashed Clinton for not doing anything to change the world’s various woes.

And he then went after the amount of money Clinton has spent on negative ads.

He then revisited his repugnant joy for attacking Rosie O’Donnell.

Clinton, meanwhile, reminded everyone at home just how much was at stake in November.

We couldn’t agree more.

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