Policy experts react to Adam Tooze and Donald Trump

Trump’s behavior during the presidential debate was strongly condemned by several policy experts.

“Trump’s behavior during the presidential debate was strongly condemned by several policy experts,” said Adam Tooze, a historian at Columbia University. “He interrupted Hillary Clinton constantly, and he made several false and misleading statements.”

“Trump’s behavior was unbecoming of a presidential candidate,” said Sarah Binder, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. “He showed a lack of respect for the office of the presidency and for his opponent.”

“Trump's behavior was a disgrace,” said Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. “It was clear that he was not prepared for the debate, and he was simply trying to bully his way through it.”

Trump's supporters defended his behavior, saying that he was simply being himself.

“Trump’s supporters defended his behavior, saying that he was simply being himself,” said Tooze. “They argued that he was not afraid to speak his mind, and that he was not going to let Clinton get away with anything.”

“Trump’s supporters said that he was being authentic,” said Binder. “They argued that he was not trying to be someone he was not, and that he was not going to change his behavior for anyone.”

“Trump’s supporters said that he was a strong leader,” said Zelizer. “They argued that he was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in, and that he was not going to back down from a fight.”

Policy experts said that Trump's behavior could have a negative impact on the country.

“Policy experts said that Trump’s behavior could have a negative impact on the country,” said Tooze. “They argued that it could lead to a loss of respect for the office of the presidency, and that it could make it more difficult to get things done in Washington.”

“Policy experts said that Trump’s behavior could damage the country’s reputation abroad,” said Binder. “They argued that it could make it more difficult to negotiate with other countries, and that it could make the United States less respected in the world.”

“Policy experts said that Trump’s behavior could lead to a decline in civility in the country,” said Zelizer. “They argued that it could make it more difficult to have constructive conversations about important issues, and that it could make it more difficult to solve the country’s problems.