Calm Clinton riles up defensive Trump at first presidential debate

‎Donald Trump, Republican presidential nominee, may have described Hilary Clinton, his Democratic nominee opponent, as a typical politician who talks without taking action, but it is Clinton who is getting rave reviews for her “calmness” while he is being adjudged to have been on the “defensive”.

Trump and Clinton squared off in a 90-minute debate at Hofstra University, outside New York on Monday night.

The debate hovered around racism, trade and taxes.

“It’s all words, it’s all soundbites,” Trump is quoted to have said by TheGuardian.

He added that Clinton was a “typical politician: all talk, no action”.

The Democratic nominee capitalised on Trump’s meandering responses and apparent loss of focus as their long-anticipated clash wore on.

“Words matter when you run for president, and they really do matter when you are president,” she said.

“I think Donald just criticised me for preparing for this debate. And yes, I did. You know what else I did? I prepared to be president.”

Clinton also accused Trump of racism for questioning Barack Obama’s citizenship.

“He has a long record of engaging in racist behaviour. And the birther lie was a very hurtful one,” she said.

In turn, Trump attacked Clinton’s suitability as president.

“She doesn’t have the look and she doesn’t have the stamina,” he said. “I’ve been all over the place. You decided to stay home.”

But after rattling off her record of visiting 112 countries in four years as secretary of state, Clinton shot back: “When Donald Trump spends 11 hours testifying in front of a congressional committee, he can talk to me about stamina.”‎

There are two more presidential debates to go, before the November 8 election.