The first duel is tense.

(Baonghean) - As planned, at 8:00 a.m. this morning, September 27, Vietnam time (ie 9:00 p.m. September 26, US time), the first live debate between the two US presidential candidates, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire Donald Trump, will take place in New York, USA.

The debate marked the first time the two leading candidates faced off head-to-head and was also a particularly important “round” for the two opponents to gain more points from voters, in a context where the support rate is extremely close.

The live debate taking place today (September 27) Vietnam time between two presidential candidates, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire Donald Trump, is attracting special attention from the American public and voters. Photo: CNN.

Debate - a characteristic of US elections

Televised debates have been a unique feature of US presidential elections since 1960. They are considered the most public and transparent stage for presidential candidates to showcase all their strengths and campaign commitments. However, on the contrary, they can also be a double-edged sword for candidates who do not know how to cleverly hide their weaknesses.

While throughout their campaign, billionaire Donald Trump and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both given separate speeches, this is the first time they have directly “confronted” each other. Criticisms and attacks will no longer have to go through the media to reach their opponents, but will be “face to face” with almost no distance.

That is why this debate is the most accurate measure that can completely change the situation of the race to the White House if any candidate has a weak debate. That is why the debate always becomes the focus of public opinion not only in the US but also for interested people around the world.

The prime time slot of 9:00 p.m. (US time) of most major US television channels such as CNN, ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS, etc. will be dedicated to broadcasting the duel between the two candidates taking place at Hofstra University in New York City. Reuters predicts that the number of viewers watching this live televised debate will exceed the record of 80 million people in all US presidential elections to date.

According to a recent poll, nearly 80% of American voters said they would watch this debate. Also, the content of the first "verbal battle" between the two candidates will focus on topics that voters are particularly interested in, which are: America's future direction; How to achieve prosperity and Ensure security for the country.

Recent polls show a tight race between the two front-runners. Photo: NBC News.

Equal opponent

According to observers, the two most promising candidates currently have their own strengths and weaknesses and are still in balance in terms of support. According to the results of a recent poll by the Washington Post and ABC News, the support rates for the two candidates Hillary and Trump are only 2% different, with the numbers being 46% and 44% respectively.

In terms of personal characteristics, the public is certainly very interested and curious to watch the competition between two characters considered unprecedented in the history of US elections. Accordingly, on one side is a "loud-mouthed billionaire" with many shocking statements, and on the other side is a former female secretary of state with extensive political experience - also the first woman to represent a political party to run for the US presidency.

However, for Mrs. Clinton, political experience may not be an advantage against a TV star like billionaire Donald Trump. Meanwhile, she is considered to lack persuasiveness and appeal to viewers. Billionaire Trump has made some moves to make up for his limited political experience by inviting retired Lieutenant General Mike Flynn to assist. Not only that, health issues will certainly be an advantage for billionaire Trump at this time.

In addition, the surprise element - a specialty of billionaire Donald Trump - is expected to be unleashed at the last minute. For many reasons, some opinions say that the person under pressure on the evening of September 26 is Mrs. Clinton, not Mr. Trump.

Republican candidate Donald Trump is confident on economic and anti-terrorism issues. Photo: Getty.

However, that does not mean that Mrs. Clinton cannot maintain and affirm her current advantages. That is the clarity and detail in all issues. This will be her strength when she has to answer any question about the direction of the United States, not the macro and somewhat "cliché" of her Republican opponent.

Besides, billionaire Donald Trump often impresses with shocking statements, but what he has to show during 90 minutes live on television is not that simple. How will he fill that half of the time, with what content so that voters do not see that he is joking or mocking someone. Therefore, it can be said that the strengths and weaknesses of the two candidates are in balance.

Election differences

Not only are they evenly matched in terms of personal characteristics and style, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump also compete fiercely in terms of their campaign commitments and platforms. While Mr. Trump leads on economic and counterterrorism issues, Mrs. Hillary has the advantage on foreign affairs, immigration and social security. On each issue facing the United States, the two candidates have very different commitments and approaches.

As for the issue of minimum wage, while Mrs. Clinton supports raising the minimum wage, Mr. Trump wants states to decide the specific number. Or on the issue of executive power, billionaire Trump affirmed that he would not repeat the "unconstitutional" actions of President Obama, while Mrs. Clinton expressed her support for the current president.

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has the advantage of political experience and the absolute support of current President Barack Obama. Photo: Reuters.

On the issue of refugees and immigration, while Mr. Trump opposes accepting refugees from Syria, Mrs. Clinton pledges to expand the refugee program and allow about 65,000 migrants to the US. A notable point in the field of trade is that both candidates have declared that they will turn their backs on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), causing public confusion.

Equal on many issues but not really breaking through, these factors are creating the most inconclusive contest in the history of US presidential elections between former US Secretary of State Clinton and billionaire Donald Trump. But this is also the reason why the percentage of US voters who are still undecided about who to vote for is up to 20%.

At this time, simple, convincing but memorable and trustworthy will be what American voters need. After this first debate, the public will wait for the performance of the two candidates in the next two encounters on October 9 and 19. Who will gain more points from voters, this is the unknown that any American citizen wants to know right now!

Phuong Hoa