Crucial Debate for Clinton

Hilary Clinton won the first presidential debate on style, not substance.  She proved to the American people she had the temperament and stamina to lead, while Trump was hostile and indecisive.  In the second debate, she must focus on policy or offer a plan to rebuild America instead of pointing out Trump's indiscretions.

The country longs to know which candidate will restore jobs or fight corruption on Wall Street.  Not all Americans have benefited from the so-called recovery, while bank executives and venture capitalists have gained riches.  Voters want a way out of poverty or to hold on to middle-class status.  Clinton must ensure her weary countrymen that she can put the masses back to work by rebuilding the nation's manufacturing base and stopping the flow of jobs abroad.

Although Clinton clearly outmatched Trump on foreign policy during their first showdown, the American people still expect more on the issue of keeping the country safe, not just from international terrorism but common street violence.  It means a comprehensive plan to fight ISIS and stop the violence in Syria, the shock waves of which are being felt everywhere.  Moreover, Clinton needs to confront racism or the new Jim Crow when she debates again and how it relates to poverty, police brutality, or high incarceration rates among people of color that breed discontent in the cities.

Lastly, Clinton cannot allow Trump to upstage her on infrastructure when they meet again.  Democrats have championed rebuilding America's cities since President Carter, while Obama has made it the hallmark of his administration with widespread Republican opposition. Democrats, unlike many conservatives, also believe climate change is real and must be addressed across the aisle.

If Clinton measures up, the election will be hers to lose.