The Rio Hondo Forensics department, in conjunction with Student Life and Leadership and the Associated Students of Rio Hondo College, held a viewing in SU-201 for the Monday night presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. This was the first of three debates between the two candidates. The main topics were on America’s police-community relations, foreign policy and how each candidate’s economic plans will bring prosperity for the American people.

Clinton, having won the coin toss, spoke first.

The first round of question were on economic policy. Clinton spoke of a system that rewards people for their work and not for their association, stating “…we have to build an economy that services everyone.” Aside from her usual rhetoric she also put forth the idea of having corporation’s share their profits with the communities they work for through charities and doubled down on taxing the rich.

Trump’s economic plan entailed reducing taxes for companies from 30 to 15 percent, and re-negotiate trade deals. He blames the lack of job growth on countries like Mexico and China, repeatedly stating that they are taking away American companies. He claimed that his policy will be a job creator not seen since the Reagan administration.

Clinton charged Trump’s plan as being a radical form of trickle down economics.

“Trickle down did not work. It got us into the mess that we were in 2008-09,” said Clinton. Clinton cited that the 2008 housing collapse was due to tax cuts and deregulation as evidence.

Holt lost control of the debate countless times, as each candidate fought to speak over one another. At one point, the debate was over Clinton’s preparedness since she missed out on tour dates.

“You criticize me for preparing for this debate,” Clinton said. “And, yes, I did. Do you know what else I prepared for? I also prepared to be president.”

Clinton and Trump will debate twice more, October 9 in St. Louis, Missouri and Oct. 19th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their running mates will debate once Oct. 4 in Farmville, Virginia.