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A recap of the final 2016 presidential debate

Last night, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton faced off in the last presidential debate of the 2016 election cycle. With just 19 days left until election day on Nov. 8 (unless you're voting on Nov. 28, per Trump's advice), this debate was a crucial one for both candidates.

It was clear that both were eager to take the stage one more time and share their final thoughts with America. If you missed the debate, here's a recap of some of the issues and topics Trump and Clinton touched on.

The Supreme Court

Clinton: She started off strong as she expressed an interest in a Court that works for all people. "The supreme court should represent all of us," she stated. Specifically, Clinton noted that marriage equality should not be overturned and that Roe v. Wade (this is something she would go on to mention many times in the debate) should remain untouched. Additionally, she wants the Senate to confirm the Supreme Court nominee selected by President Obama.

Trump: In contrast, Trump (who also started off the night calm and level-headed) plans to appoint his own justices that will be pro-life and "interpret the constitution the way the founders interpreted it." He also feels that it is "absolutely important" that they uphold the second amendment. Speaking of...

The second amendment

Clinton: Also supports the second amendment, but stated that "we need comprehensive background checks, need to close the online loophole, close the gun show loophole" that allows people to gain access to guns without background checks or record of sale.

Trump: As you can tell, the two aren't completely split on this issue. Trump stated that he supports a national right to carry and opposes limits on assault weapons and ammunition magazines. Additionally, during his campaign, he has received endorsements from the National Rifle Association. 

Abortion

Clinton: As noted earlier, she supports Roe v. Wade, which protects a woman's right to choose. Falling in line with that, she stated that she will defend Planned Parenthood as well.

Trump: It should come as no surprise that Trump does not support abortion, as he noted earlier that he will appoint pro-life supreme court justices.

Economy

Clinton: "Investment" was a word she used a lot during this segment of the debate. She says that her plan is based on growth and giving middle class families and small businesses opportunities. She, of course, supports equal pay, as well as a raise in minimum wage. Finally, she noted that she has worked with former presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders on a plan to make public college free for students.

Trump: As a businessman, Trump seemed thrilled to talk about the economy. On this topic, he was firm about lowering taxes and, specifically, cutting business taxes. He went on to criticize NAFTA, the trade agreement put into place by Bill Clinton, and promised, "I am going to renegotiate NAFTA. And if I can’t make a great deal, then we are going to terminate NAFTA, and we are going to create new deals."

Fitness to be president

Clinton: Here, Clinton cited her time as secretary of state as proof that she is ready to be commander-in-chief, and also attempted to talk about her work with the Clinton Foundation. Mostly, though, she went on the attack, stating, "Donald thinks belittling women makes him bigger...That's who Donald is." She also called out his unwillingness to take responsibility for the allegations of the women who have come forward saying he has been sexually inappropriate toward them. All in all, she expressed a desire for an America where we can celebrate our diversity and differences.

Trump: In response, he claimed that "nobody has more respect for women than I do," and the audience broke out into laughter. Even still, he insisted that the claims of sexual inappropriateness have been largely debunked and that he does not "know any of them"—"them" meaning the women who have come forward. He then went on the attack as well, insinuating that Clinton's campaign is to blame for the allegations: "She got these people to step forward...It was all fiction. It was lies and it was fiction," Trump said. 

Other topics touched on...

Trump's claims that the election is rigged

Clinton: Says that his mindset on this matter is "troubling."

Trump: He would not confirm whether or not he would accept the debate results, stating, "I'll tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense, OK?" However, his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, stated Trump "would accept the results because he'll win the election."

Hillary's emails

Trump: "This is really we should be talking about."

So, who came out on top?

CNN published a roundup of editorials, many of which noted that Clinton seemed to succeed. Debate viewers agree that Clinton came out on top as well.

Are you "with her," or are you eager to "make America great again," ladies? Sound off in the comments.

by Sydney Adamson | 10/20/2016
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