Clinton Must Shine in First Presidential Debate

The first presidential debate will be held in two weeks.  Clinton should state clearly to the American people why she should be president and put to rest any questions regarding her character.

She will need to articulate a clear domestic and foreign policy agenda.  Clinton must address ISIS,  Syria, and Russia in a way that will convince voters to back her.  The Syrian Civil War is real, and Putin is on the move.  China is also posturing in the East, which could threaten U.S. interests. 

Secretary Clinton also must discuss ways to make the economy work for all Americans, not just those at the top.   African Americans,  for instance,  have not benefited from the recovery, with an unemployment rate twice the national average.  Poor whites,  Native Americans, and America's youth also feel left out in today's marketplace,  which explains Trump's surge.  To win,  Clinton will need the backing of such voting blocs.

Perhaps above all,  Clinton,  the Democratic nominee, must come clean regarding her time as Secretary of State to erase doubt in the minds of U.S. voters.  If using a private email server was improper or jeopardized U.S. security,  she should admit it so the campaign can move past it.  It would boost her poll numbers and throw Trump off his game.  She must also clear up confusion surrounding donations to the Clinton Foundation while serving in Obama's cabinet.

The thought of a Trump presidency is frightening. It is why Secretary Clinton cannot drop the ball in the final stretch of the 2016 election.