During the final US presidential debate, thanks to focused moderating by Chris Wallace, the country finally had a chance to hear Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump explain some of their positions on important policy matters. However, in all three debates, despite efforts by the moderators to get the candidates to actually answer hard questions, both Clinton and Trump routinely managed to dodge the more uncomfortable ones.
In some cases, the lack of answers was blatant: When asked what he would do to combat Islamophobia, for instance, Trump instead addressed radical Islamic terrorism. Clinton, when questioned about having different public and private stances on issues, found a way to reference the movie, Lincoln.
Overall, Trump was more evasive. From Syria to social security reforms, his shortage of answers appeared to stem more from lack of preparation than a calculated attempt to dodge questions. He was also pushed more by the moderators in all three debates. Clinton provided answers to many more questions than Trump in the first two debates, but dodged as many as he did in the last.
Here is a roundup of all the questions each candidate successfully evaded, and how many times they were asked it. Questions have been shortened for brevity and clarity.
First debate, moderated by Lester Holt
Second debate, moderated by Martha Raddatz and Anderson Cooper
Third debate, moderated by Chris Wallace
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