Who won the first debate: Clinton or Trump?

Clinton won the debate. She scored point after point. There was no contest — was never going to be a contest.

She proved herself knowledgeable, quick-witted; she proved that she had real plans on policies. And she correctely nailed Trump on all of his weaknesses.

BUT…

Trump had one message that he repeatedly got through. It is a simple message but it was a powerful one, in my opinion.

His message was this: the government makes horrible deals for America. I, however, make great deals.

WE may disagree with the message. We may find it factually incorrect; we can point to his bankruptcies; we can call him a bad businessman. But at the end of the day, he is a billionaire and we are not.

And although he came off as an arrogant blowhard, as he always does, I would say that there is something of the smug nerd about Hillary.

In the weird calculus of public opinion, I think that arrogant blowhard is more electable than smug nerd.

So Clinton won the debate. But I am not sure if she won voters.

Trump might have done so, though.

We can make fun of him all we want: a bunch of Democrats telling each other about Trump’s verbal gaffes and general stupidity are not going to keep him from getting elected.

Clinton should not start counting chickens, yet, sadly.

Written September 28th