(VOVworld) – The race to the White House is entering a decisive phase as the two presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump begin their televised debates. 

Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump (Photo: fortune.com)

One and a half months before the US Presidential Election on November 8, Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton and her Republican rival Donald Trump are scheduled to participate in 3 rounds of live TV debates. The first debate took place on September 27 at Hofstra University Hall, New York.

Presidential debates have been televised since 1960. The first debate between Clinton and Trump had 100 million viewers, nearly one third of the US population, much more than the debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney 4 years ago or the 1980 debate between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.

Over 90 minutes, each candidate presented their viewpoints and criticized their rival in an in-depth discussion featuring 6 segments on a variety of issues. For each topic, the moderator asked a question and candidate had 2 minutes to answer. The 3 topics of this year’s debate were the future direction of the US, how to achieve prosperity and how to ensure security for the US, which were sent to the candidates a week ago.

Highly anticipated encounter

After a 90-minute debate, Clinton is viewed as making stronger impressions. According to a quick survey conducted by the website fortune.com right after the debate, Clinton won 54% of the votes and Trump won 45%. Despite leading her rival in most public polls, Clinton is very cautious. Weeks ago, the campaign team of the former US Secretary of State appointed two veteran advisers, Ron Klain and Karen Dunn, to be in charge of drafting speeches. Clinton has studied Trump’s campaign videos to discover his weaknesses. Analysts say Clinton, who has a great deal of political experience, needs to be wary of her rival’s ability to win over crowds.

Real estate billionaire Trump has advantages that could help him overwhelm the debate. The most prominent is Roger Ailes, former director of Fox News TV channel, who can help him with debate tactics and skills. Retired General Mike Flynn is able to make up for Trump’s inexperience in politics.

What do American voters expect?

The Presidential Election takes place with most Americans concerned about the economy despite a falling of unemployment rate. Other voter concerns include a higher minimum wage, education reforms, improved health care, and gender equality.