Instead of many millions spent in purposely scripted, and therefore hyperbolic and distrusted and misleading, ads, we got to see an exchange. I, for one, found it fruitful. Some issues are clarified; others, still not. Tax policy is assuredly clearer.
Both candidates are articulate, not just one. There are agreements and there are definite differences. Leadership skills are clearer. Both have them.
Markets will like this debate. It adds to confidence. It transcends the nasty junk we are besieged with on the telephone, in papers and in TV ads. I have personally received so many recorded calls that I have stopped counting, and listening)
The United States won tonight, which means US markets won tonight.
It is difficult to picture this type of test, with this type of depth, in other countries. Think about 150 other places in the world where a regime change occurs. Take an inventory of the countries of the world. Very few others would have this type of contest for a national leader.
America and our system won tonight. I remain bullish on the US of A.
BY David R. Kotok