The first presidential debate between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump is providing a valuable lesson for political science students at Mississippi College.
"And then you heard what I said about it and then you were against it," said Trump.
"Well Donald I know you live in your own reality," said Clinton.
Professor Glenn Antizzo's political science classes are looking for substantive answers and debating styles in the face-off between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Sophmore Omarr Peters.
"I don't think we have a clear winner. I do see Clinton possibly getting a bump in the polls. But I think Trump did very fine for himself," said Peters.
The candidates clashed on issues from tax cuts, jobs, race relations to national security. Clinton wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and increase the minimum wage. Trump will cut taxes for the wealthy to create jobs. Junior Will Earnhart, supports Trump's approach.
"I think fundamentally that's what America's been built on, capitalism. The capitalist system works. I would take the other side of the argument," said Earnhart.
Earnhart thinks Trump won the debate. Amy Jones, a graduate student, disagrees.
"I just think Hillary had so much more substance that she brought to the table. Trump the only direct policies that I can think of that he mentioned was "stop and frisk" and lowering taxes on the wealthy. And other than that it just seemed like noise," said Jones.
Trump says stop and frisk will reduce crime in African American communities. Critics say it's unconstitutional. Clinton says trust between the communities and police must be restored. Freshman Nia McKnight.
"I feel as though he doesn't care about African Americans and the other races from the comments he's made," said McKnight.
Professor Antizzo says neither scored a knockout.
"What was important tonight for Trump to establish himself as somebody that was her equal on the stage. She's somebody that has a long resume.
The next presidential debate is Sunday, October 9.
