We encouraged all of our writers and readers to analyze last night’s debate through the prism of Catholic social teaching. While we have seen a great deal of discontent about both presidential candidates among those who share Millennial’s commitment to human dignity, the sanctity of life, social justice, free democracy, and universal human rights, the overwhelming response to this debate on social media was centered on criticism of Donald Trump, along with some praise for Clinton’s positions on various social justice issues. This may reflect Clinton’s strong lead among Catholics, the total exclusion of abortion and a few other important issues from the debate, and that many center-right proponents of Catholic social teaching are #NeverTrump (even those who are also #NeverHillary). The highlights in this twitter round-up reflect this:
3. You may not feel particularly, directly affected by what happens in Washington. OK. Then think of those who are while you watch tonight.
— Michael Wear (@MichaelRWear) September 27, 2016
Our faith offers a vision for common good–rooted in the story of Jesus Christ–God became poor to save humanity. #debatenight #VoteWithMercy
— Sisters of Mercy (@SistersofMercy) September 27, 2016
It will be interesting to see if there are questions about childcare, maternity/paternity leave, the EITC, and child tax credit #debatescst
— Daniel Petri (@danielrpetri) September 27, 2016
Will @LesterHoltNBC ask the candidates: “What is Aleppo”? #debatescst
— Daniel Petri (@danielrpetri) September 27, 2016
The right to labour and fair wages has long been a CST principle. #DebatesCST
— God In All Things (@andyotto) September 27, 2016
We agree, income inequality and the resultant increase in poverty is a critical issue that must be discussed! #debatenight #VoteWithMercy
— Sisters of Mercy (@SistersofMercy) September 27, 2016
Paid family leave and affordable child care mentioned in Clinton’s opening remarks #Debates2016 #workingmoms
— kate shellnutt (@kateshellnutt) September 27, 2016
Global trade benefits the global poor, especially those living in extreme poverty. Undoing trade deals hurts them the most #debatescst
— Daniel Petri (@danielrpetri) September 27, 2016
It is a scandal that, instead of focusing on jobs and a living wage, the political class is focused on budget cuts. #Debates #VoteWithMercy
— Sisters of Mercy (@SistersofMercy) September 27, 2016
“That’s called business by the way.” This is a terrible response to the devastation of human lives. #debatescst #debates
— Nichole M. Flores (@nicholemflores) September 27, 2016
“Business” can’t be an excuse to dismiss the common good. #DebatesCST
— God In All Things (@andyotto) September 27, 2016
We must discuss #climatechange! #debates #VoteWithMercy
— Sisters of Mercy (@SistersofMercy) September 27, 2016
Major ? about tonight is whether voters view Trump’s interruptions as disrespectful, or as him holding accountable someone they don’t trust
— Michael Wear (@MichaelRWear) September 27, 2016
Hoping to hear robust #PresidentialDebate discussion of how our candidates will #ActOnClimate. God’s creation needs our candidates’ care.
— Creation Justice (@CreationJustice) September 27, 2016
Cutting taxes and massively cutting regulations don’t benefit the lower middle class, poor, and working poor #debatescst
— Daniel Petri (@danielrpetri) September 27, 2016
NAFTA was signed in 94. Things that have happened since then:
1) automating everything
2) ⬆️globalization
3) The internet.Important?
— Jeff Kerscher (@kerscherjp) September 27, 2016
In 1980 wealthiest 1% of Americans had 10% of national income, today the same 1% has 21% of national income. #Debates #VoteWithMercy
— Sisters of Mercy (@SistersofMercy) September 27, 2016
.@HillaryClinton says broad-based inclusive growth is what we need. Build up the middle class. #debatenight #debates
— Stephanie Yeagle (@ncrSLY) September 27, 2016
@realDonaldTrump is right. Our infrastructure stinks. Infrastructure improvements are a way to help lift people out of poverty #debatescst
— Daniel Petri (@danielrpetri) September 27, 2016
“That makes me smart.” Trump on not paying federal income taxes.
— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) September 27, 2016
Tax cuts for the rich or breaks for the middle class. Waiting to hear what we can do as a nation to care for the poor. #DebatesCST
— Patrick Manning (@pmanning87) September 27, 2016
many people are saying defrauding workers of their just wages is a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance
— Elizabeth Bruenig (@ebruenig) September 27, 2016
Question from a #bluecollardaughter: why does the GOP nominee keep insulting workers? #debatescst #debates
— Nichole M. Flores (@nicholemflores) September 27, 2016
Glad we get to talk about race and violence in America. This is one of the biggest social justice issues of our time #debatescst
— Daniel Petri (@danielrpetri) September 27, 2016
The police exists for our protection. It’s a problem if ANY person does not feel safe in the presence of police.
— God In All Things (@andyotto) September 27, 2016
#debatenight law and order includes not shooting unarmed black men
— Roberta Lavin (@rlavin10) September 27, 2016
Racism is personal & systemic. Trump says “bring back law & order” & #stopandfrisk. That’s not justice. #DebatesCST https://t.co/d91CWGaHtQ
— Marcus Mescher (@marcusmescher) September 27, 2016
When we use the term “systemic” racism, we’re talking about social sin. #DebatesCST
— God In All Things (@andyotto) September 27, 2016
Thank you @HillaryClinton for calling for an end to ALL private prisons! #GetMoneyOut #Debates2016
— Jason L. Miller (@JasonLouMiller) September 27, 2016
Glad @HillaryClinton spoke about the vibrancy of black communities, and black churches. Religion is a part of solving problems. #debatescst
— Daniel Petri (@danielrpetri) September 27, 2016
“Take the oil.” Thievery as a national security strategy. 🙄 #debatescst
— Robert Christian (@RGC3) September 27, 2016
We must value humility more as an important leadership quality. #DebatesCST #debatenight
— God In All Things (@andyotto) September 27, 2016
Foreign policy section ends without mention of Syria, the humanitarian crisis of our generation. One of the photos sent from Aleppo today: pic.twitter.com/e7nMUfGvan
— Louisa Loveluck (@leloveluck) September 27, 2016
We’ve talked about Syrian refugees this much tonight. #debatenight pic.twitter.com/iqOMasrUdc
— Christopher J. Hale (@chrisjollyhale) September 27, 2016
Trump was accused of dodging taxes, abandoned allies, favoring Russia, casual misogyny, crazed temperament… and confirmed them all.
— Michael Gerson (@MJGerson) September 27, 2016
Overall, Trump continues focus on power/wealth; Clinton covers lot of good CST (but remains abortion advocate) #Debates #MoreThanRedAndBlue
— Dan Masterton (@jesusandchicago) September 27, 2016
Millennial 