Intriguing Trump-Hillary debate: Why does India not have similar face-offs
Chennai: The fiery debate between the grim-faced Republican nominee Donald Trump who painted a bleak future if the trade deals, which he said had caused companies to move jobs out of the US, were not renegotiated and the unruffled Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton who wanted to lower taxes for the middle class and small business class, has generated much interest among the people here.
Rather, it left many wondering why this platform should not be resorted to in India allowing the major contenders to declare their policies and debate.
“I think Trump spoke from his heart when he said jobs need to be created to develop the US while Hillary, who has been a former senator and Secretary of State, spoke like an official,” said a student who was among those who watched the screening of the first US Presidential debate of 2016 at the Loyola College here on Tuesday evening under the joint auspices of the US Consulate General in Chennai, Loyola College and Athena Infonomics.
Girl students however reacted sharply to Mr Trump’s blatant remark: “You lack stamina. You are temperamental.” targeting Ms Clinton. During the fierce 90-minute debate the candidates sparred over trade, taxes, tackling ISIS and bringing well-paying jobs back to the country.
“This has generated great enthusiasm in India on the electoral process in the US. Both the candidates defended their policies and spoke about their visions,” says Ariel H. Pollock, Consulate public affairs officer. She said the debate screening is part of the US Consulate General’s 2016 presidential election programme. “Of course, the people (American voters) will decide who their president should be,” she added.
The US voters will elect their new president on November 8. The presidential debates are conducted by private organisations and the second and third such debates will be held on October 9 and 20. For further information visit the consulate’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/chennai.usconsulate
