After all the speculation over Hillary Clinton's health, it was Donald Trump who seemed under the weather – and under the cosh – during last night's first Presidential Debate ahead of November's election.
The Republican candidate held his own early, but despite calling his opponent's stamina into question it was he who quickly faded under the lights at Hofstra University, routinely charging off on the unstructured monologues which have been a feature of his campaign.
More pleasing still for Democrat interests, he continually took the bait offered by Clinton, whether acknowledging the series of loans given by his father to begin his property empire, or quite incredibly appearing to boast that he didn't pay income taxes. He also shouted over both Clinton and moderator Lester Holt – furthering the common accusation that he's a bully – while, for no apparent reason, sniffling throughout the night.
More of Trump's replies verged towards the utterly baffling: when asked about cybersecurity, he said “I have a son who’s 10, he’s so good with computers.”
Delighting in the fact that her challenger was clearly underprepared, Hillary also scoffed when Trump seemed to complain that her talking points and impressive command of the facts was premeditated. "I think Donald just criticized me for preparing for this debate," she said. "And yes I did. You know what else I did? I prepared to be president.”
While the former Senator for New York and Secretary of State was widely regarded to have been the clear victor on the evening, experts have warned that the commanding performance may have a less-than-overwhelming effect on the polls.