Thoughts on tonight's debate

Tony Branco

Byron York: Before debate, Clinton works refs, asks for special treatment   . . . "Well, I think Donald Trump's special," Mook said. "We haven't seen anything like this…So we're saying this is a special circumstance, a special debate, and Hillary should be given some time to actually talk about what she wants to do to make a difference in people's lives. She shouldn't have to spend the whole debate correcting the record."

"Other Clinton officials made a similar case in the days leading up to the debate. On Friday, Team Clinton held a conference call for reporters, urging Holt to factcheck Trump on the fly. "This is the role of the moderator…to call out those lies, and do it in real time," top campaign official Jennifer Palmieri said. "To not do that is to give Donald Trump a very unfair advantage.' " . . .

Rick Moran: Clinton wants debate moderator to 'fact-check' the candidates  . . . " 'Fact-checking" is a losing issue for Clinton.  If Holt weighs in, it will only help Trump."

The Battle for the Undecided Millennial Generation Begins at Hofstra  . . . "The wild card for this debate may involve the FBI 2000-page document dump on Friday afternoon." . . .

Debate Details Revealed: Clinton Gets First Question . . . "The 90-minute debate will be broken into six, 15 minute "pods," the Commission on Presidential Debates announced on Sunday." . . .


Nine things you need to know about tonight's debate  . . .  "The public decided on Hillary years ago, and while I struggle to understand her attraction, she has her ardent supporters. Divide the country in three and you have Always Hillary, Never Hillary, and those who say they wish they had someone else but will settle for her.

"That third group is Trump's to win." . . 
. . . 
Pre-Debate: Trump needs to convince people he’s not Hitler, Hillary needs to show she’s not Hillary  "If I see one more story about what Trump/Hillary needs to do tonight, I’m going to ….

"So really, what do Trump and Hillary need to do tonight?"