US elections 2016: Debating the value of presidential debates
Here's what happened on the campaign trail the week of Sept. 19.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are running neck-and-neck. Both are hoping the first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, on Sept. 26 will finally put them over the top.
For Trump, the stage is an opportunity to put past controversial statements behind him and focus on his core message aimed at the struggling middle class. The consummate showman will try to stick to the script and broaden his appeal after another week of comments that pleased his white male base but further alienated many minority voters.
Speaking at a candidates’ forum Sept. 21, Trump called for a nationwide expansion of “stop and frisk” tactics in response to high levels of crime in many predominantly black neighborhoods. The controversial search of people due only to their presence in high-crime areas has been linked to lower crime rates but heightened distrust between police and minorities.
For her part, Clinton will set out to prove that she is the candidate with a firmer grasp of the issues while trying to shake off lingering doubts about her trustworthiness. She’ll also need to demonstrate she has the stamina to withstand a barrage of attacks from Trump, who has tried to sow doubts about her health in the public’s mind.
