XPost: alt.politics.usa, alt.tv.oreilly-factor, rec.arts.tv
XPost: alt.politics.elections

"The three general topics tonight are America's direction, achieving prosperity, and securing America. Obviously those are very general
topics and anything can happen. I like the format. It might take Lester
Holt out of things, but if a candidate does not tell the truth it's up
to the other candidate to call them out. Hillary Clinton has an
advantage because she has done these one-on-one debates before, while
Mr. Trump has had debate experience only with a bunch of other people on
the stage. Also, Hillary Clinton is much more versed in policies, she
can razzle-dazzle with facts and figures. But Talking Points believes it
is demeanor that Americans will be watching. For example, it will be
unwise for Donald Trump to make faces and it would be a major mistake
for Mrs. Clinton to sound shrill. Americans want problem-solvers, not
foolish game players. The demeanor factor is extremely important
tonight. And then there are the one-liners, such as that used by Ronald
Reagan against Walter Mondale in 1984. And in 1988, Lloyd Bentsen zinged
Dan Quayle in the vice presidential debate. Finally, if candidates get
their facts wrong, as Gerald Ford did in 1976, it can spell big trouble.
This time around, the polls are pretty much a dead heat, and if Donald
Trump holds his ground tonight Hillary Clinton could be in major
trouble. My prediction? As Mr. T once said, 'pain!' No matter how good
Donald Trump performs, the press will say he blew it. No matter how
astute Hillary Clinton may be, those who dislike her will continue to
dislike her. It's not like anyone will be going to Disney World after
this."

The Factor invited reaction and a prediction from the always-
perspicacious Charles Krauthammer. "If I had to bet the house,"
Krauthammer said, "the candidate with the lowest bar usually wins. So
Trump has a better chance of coming out ahead, but I don't think it's
likely this will be a knockout blow. He has to show that you could see
him sitting in the Oval Office, and if he does that he wins the debate.
Hillary Clinton's job is to change an impression that has embedded
itself in the national consciousness for 30 years, that she is not
trustworthy. You're not going to change that overnight, but if she makes herself likeable enough she can win this election. If she doesn't shout
and doesn't get angry, she could do something like that." Krauthammer
expressed his hope that the candidates get pressed on the Charlotte
riots and police brutality.

Former Obama economic adviser Austan Goolsbee joined The Factor with his
advice for Hillary Clinton. The Factor asked Goolsbee how Secretary
Clinton can separate herself from President Obama. "She should say that
she has outlined her own program," he said, "that is different and
distinct from what President Obama. She wants the biggest investment in infrastructure since Eisenhower, she wants to make education debt-free
for millions of Americans. President Obama did not do that, but we are
turning a corner and people are feeling better." Goolsbee also tackled
the issue of quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his refusal to stand for
the National Anthem. "I don't agree with what he's doing, but I'm glad
that if someone wants to object he does it in a peaceful way. If I were
Hillary Clinton, I would say that no one should take the condemnation of
the police or their country lightly."

Just minutes prior to kickoff, Fox News anchor Brit Hume provided his
veteran perspective. "I would first ask Hillary Clinton what 'Stronger Together' actually means," Hume said. "What answer to that question
would possibly forward her cause? As for Trump, I would ask him if he
has ever apologized in his life to anyone about anything. He once said
he regretted something, but it seems peculiar that a man who projects
such strength never apologizes. The willingness to say you were wrong is associated with strength, not weakness. The last man on earth I would
want to be tonight is Lester Holt, who is in a very difficult position."

--
Hillary's portion of the debate was sponsored by:
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