The debate: Let's hope there is more than just mud slinging

More than 100 million people are expected to tune in Monday night to watch the first presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.

A lot is riding on how well each candidate performs. With Clinton's lead in the polls narrowing, a good showing by Trump could help push the contest even closer.

We hope the debate goes deeper than just mud-slinging entertainment. These two people who want to lead the nation need to outline their visions for America, where they expect to take us over the next four years. A lot of name-calling, personality bashing and downright lying is not going to give viewers much substance to go on.

And we need substance. Some voters have already made up their minds about who they will vote for and the debate will offer them little more than a chance to cheer on their candidate and belittle everything the other has to say. But many people have not yet decided who they will vote for. This series of debates could change that.

Clinton and Trump offer very different views of where they believe America is and where it should go. The debates will hopefully be a showcase for their platforms, something that undecided voters can use to help them make up their minds now that the time for casting ballots is finally drawing near.

Let us hope the rhetoric will held to a minimum and the truth will somehow show through.

Published in Editorials on September 24, 2016 11:37 PM