5 takeaways from the first presidential debate

The Democratic nominee spent weeks preparing for the first presidential debate of the cycle, poring over briefing books and holding mock debates with a close set of aide. Trump, known for his spontaneity and trusting his instincts, took a different approach, reportedly preferring to study film of Clinton’s past debates. The first 30 minutes of the debate count the most, and Trump put Clinton on the defensive very quickly when he talked about trade. "Your husband signed NAFTA, which is one of the worst things that happened to the manufacturing industry," he said. Clinton struck a chord when she launched a merciless attack on his habit of stiffing contractors who have labored on his construction projects over the years. "I’ve met dishwashers, painters, architects, marble installers, drapery installers, who you refused to pay when they finished the work you asked them to do,” Clinton said The presidential race is a toss-up and many Americans are indeed considering Trump’s change argument. Clinton, meanwhile, sought to press the argument that the reality star is too erratic to bring about the kind of change the country needs. “A man who can be baited by a tweet shouldn’t have his fingers anywhere near the nuclear codes,” she said. It's possible Trump lost the first debate, but he's proven to be a fast learner. There were a few gold nuggets strewn in the wreckage of Hofstra, including his 30 years argument. “She's been doing this for 30 years. And why hasn't she made the agreements better? The NAFTA agreement is defective," Trump said.