Michael Loftin pictured in his days as the editorial page editor of the Chattanooga Times.Ever have that dream about walking into a classroom and suddenly realizing you hadn't studied for the final? That was Donald Trump's problem Monday night, except it wasn't a dream. His ego may have persuaded him that he aced the debate when, after about 15 minutes, it led him down a huge rabbit trail. Small wonder that some swing state Republicans have concluded that if Trump couldn't bother to prepare for the debate, how could he really be qualified for the hardest job in the world? The question answers itself.
Editors at the Arizona Republic published their own answer with a Tuesday editorial endorsing Hillary Clinton. It was the paper's first endorsement of a Democrat over a Republican since its founding in 1890. The editors argued that "America needs to build a new era of prosperity for the working class [and] this is Hillary Clinton's opportunity." They also praised her positions on gender equality, human rights, national security and foreign policy. But they condemned Trump's "deep character flaws," his "stunning lack of human decency," and reckless comments that could threaten America's security.
The stark contrast between the candidates' debate performances reinforces the editors' decision. Clinton's responses reflected hours of preparation, knowledge about issues likely to confront the next president and the cumulative wisdom gained as a senator and secretary of state. The latter position will give her an advantage in foreign policy and complement the respect she earned in developing an excellent relationship with military leaders. Her ability to speak authoritatively about those issues has been impressive - and reassuring.
It is reasonable to expect Clinton has already accumulated an understanding of economic issues that will be crucial in avoiding another economic calamity like the great recession a decade ago. Those issues can involve the economic security of American families as well as the nation's. Dealing with those twin responsibilities will require not only a depth of knowledge but also an ability to solicit sound advice from economists as well as business persons and labor leaders.
As for the debate and its aftermath, the candidates' exchanges were revealing. Clinton displayed personal coolness, even when she had to talk over Trump's petulant interruptions. He, in the first quarter hour offered a cogent rebuttal to her response to the first question. But it didn't take long for his insufficient debate prep to lead him astray. Some 80 million Americans watched, and many got their first exposure to Trump's preference for political spontaneous generation.
Asked what he might say to blacks about his five-year campaign denying that President Obama was born in the United States, Trump just bragged that "I was able to get him to produce his birth certificate." Although Clinton consistently derided his repetition of a "racist lie," polls suggest that a lot of Americans have embraced Trump's mendacity. Perhaps they've never forgiven Obama for having the audacity of twice being elected president.
Anyone who expected excuses and conspiracy theories intended to explain Trump's poor showing were rewarded. Moderator Lester Holt was, you know, "biased." Trump's performance was hampered by a faulty microphone, thus setting him up for failure. The "dog ate my homework" explanations weren't surprising, given Trump's claim weeks ago that the November election was already "rigged" in Clinton's favor. (Clinton was clearly on to something when she told Trump he was living in an "alternate reality.")
Some on-line sites have reported polls showing a significant percentage of evangelical support for Trump, despite a biography that would seem to repel them. But if Trump's performance in the next two debates is like the first, they won't be the only ones murmuring, "Dear God!"
Michael Loftin is former editorial page editor of The Chattanooga Times.