Clinton vs Trump: Round 1

Several notable items appeared during the first debate between the Presidential Candidates.

1. Trump did not dispute the charge that he paid no personal taxes – his response was “that’s because I’m smart”. I’m surprised that the headlines next day did not read:

“TRUMP: IF YOU PAY TAXES, YOU ARE STUPID!”

2. When accused of not paying contractors, Trump said that he “stayed within the law”. No specifics were given, so we can only guess what that means. Perhaps the scenario was like this:

Joe the Plumber: “Mr. Trump, I have finished installing your gold bathroom fixtures. Here is my bill”

Trump: “You finished the job on April 2^nd The contract stipulated that the job was to completed by March 31^st. Since you did not meet the requirements of the contract, I am not paying you!”

Joe the Plumber: “But Mr. Trump, my six-year old daughter fell sick and had to be taken to the hospital. She was there three days, but unfortunately did not make it. I have to make arrangements for her funeral now.”

Trump: “I’m very sorry for your loss, but the contract was quite clear. I shall not pay you”.

Of course, Joe the Plumber could take Trump to court and he would probably win. However the time, cost and uncertainty would make it not worthwhile. Any lawyer that Joe could get would certainly be no match for Trump’s battalions of New York lawyers.

These show that Trump is a despicable human being. However, that does not necessarily mean that he is unqualified for the Presidency.

Two other items however do show that he does not have what it takes to be president:

1. He repeated that he would not honour U.S. commitments to allies to come to their aid in case of an attack by a foreign power. This is totally unacceptable (though brings great joy to Vladimir Putin and the Chinese). The U.S. is right in complaining that some allies are not pulling their weight, but that should be addressed by the President applying pressure on the allies, not breaking agreements.
2. He promised to repeal NAFTA and other trade agreements, bringing the U.S. into a protectionist mode. Protectionism is widely regarded to be the major cause why the Great Depression lasted as long as it did. It would be a great mistake to take that road now.