Trump vs. Clinton: Who Wins - Who Loses?

(Baonghean) - Yesterday, October 10th, the second debate between the two US presidential candidates took place at the University of Washington.in the city of St. Louis,Missouri stateThis is one of three crucial live debates between the two candidates aimed at solidifying their image and gaining support from American voters in the final stretch.

After 90 minutes of debate, public opinion suggests that Clinton won against Trump in both content and style. However, many believe that neither candidate "won" this second battle.

The two US presidential candidates were criticized for their "ugly" performance in the second live debate on October 10th. Photo: Getty.

No one is superior.

Immediately after the debate, polls by CNN and ORC showed that Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton had overwhelmingly defeated Republican candidate Donald Trump with a 57% to 34% margin. It's undeniable that, during yesterday's 90-minute debate, Clinton had an advantage over Trump, maintaining a calmer and more confident demeanor. In particular, the shift to an open format with direct questions from voters seemed to put Trump in a difficult position.

However, during those 90 minutes, there were also quite a few moments where Clinton seemed flustered by her opponent. These included frowns or grimaces in response to the relentless attacks from her adversary. Furthermore, Clinton was criticized for not providing truly convincing answers on a range of issues, nor for failing to identify her opponent's weaknesses and vulnerabilities to gain an advantage.

Therefore, many argue that, regardless of the content, billionaire Trump yesterday successfully launched an overwhelming attack on Clinton. Unfortunately, this very act has led to Trump being perceived as "extremist" and disrespectful to his opponent.

Although opinion polls after the debate showed Hillary Clinton with higher approval ratings than Donald Trump, the numbers aren't everything. Photo: AP.

The "ugly" verbal clash

Looking back at the entire second debate, observers commented that it was a rare event in American election history. Even the most basic courtesy—a handshake to begin the debate—was ignored by both candidates.

What unfolded over the next 90 minutes was truly an "ugly" confrontation. Numerous newspapers subsequently echoed this sentiment. The Washington Post, for example, commented that this was a dark spot in American election history, with both candidates focusing solely on attacking and insulting each other.

As can be seen, many pressing issues were discussed, such as climate change, energy, the Obamacare law, the Syrian crisis, etc., but what remained after the debate was only the image of the two candidates blushing, criticizing, and interrupting each other.

Many commentators also suggested that this was merely a display of personal attacks, revolving around each other's scandals. Further evidence of this was that, just before the debate began, candidate Trump unexpectedly held a press conference to introduce three women who claimed to be victims of sexual assault by former President Bill Clinton.

The debate then began with a tense exchange, with both candidates spending nearly 20 minutes attacking and refuting each other's claims about the former US Secretary of State's use of a private email server. The climax came when Trump interrupted and threatened to "imprison" Clinton if he became president.

Although there was a rather unexpected turn of events at the end of the debate when both candidates exchanged flattering words – Clinton saying she respected the Trump children, while Trump asserted that he considered Clinton a "warrior who never gives up" – the forced nature of their statements was evident.

Given these performances, the conclusion that neither candidate won the second debate is perhaps entirely convincing. It also shows that the balance hasn't clearly tipped in either direction at this point.

People gathered to watch the debate between the two US presidential candidates at an event organized by the New York Republican Youngsters Club at Madison Square Tavern in Manhattan, New York on October 9. Photo: Reuters.

Trump in crisis - Clinton fading into obscurity

Looking ahead, for the Republican candidate, the scandal involving the vulgar video clip about women has become an unprecedented setback for Trump. After the video was released, more than 40 Republican lawmakers announced they would no longer support or withdraw their support for Trump. This is unprecedented in contemporary American political history.

Discussions about replacing Trump are also seriously underway within the Republican party. However, the Republican Party is in a dilemma. Although they desperately want to replace Trump, they cannot take the initiative unless Trump voluntarily steps down.

If a different candidate were to replace him, the chances of winning the Republican Party would become even more difficult. At this point, some even suggest that only a miracle could save Trump and the Republican Party.

Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, public opinion currently leans towards former US Secretary of State Clinton. However, many also believe that what Clinton has shown so far is still insufficient. An unnecessary tug-of-war with her opponent, and unclear and unconvincing answers in the second debate, have prevented Clinton from making a breakthrough. This means she has not yet met the expectations of voters.

Therefore, public opinion is currently focused on the third debate, which will take place in Nevada on October 19th. However, this third debate is only one day before voters in 34 US states begin early voting; meaning there won't be much time for the third debate to influence voters.

According to the US Constitution, the presidential candidate who wins 270 out of 538 electoral votes is declared the winner. Recent polls show Clinton currently has 226 electoral votes, while Donald Trump has only received approximately 165. However, based on what both candidates have shown so far, the question of who will win and who will lose remains unanswered.

Khang Duy