Experts say it was the most-watched television debate in the history of American presidential races. An estimated 100 million viewers tuned in to see the two candidates face off against each other.
Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump took the stage at a university in New York state. More than a thousand reporters, a live audience, and people around the world focused their attention on how the candidates would carry themselves in the first debate of this election.
(Donald Trump / Republican presidential candidate)
"We defend Japan, we defend Germany, we defend South Korea, we defend Saudi Arabia, we defend countries. They do not pay us what they should be paying us because we are providing tremendous service and we are losing a fortune."
Clinton sent a different message to America's allies.
(Hillary Clinton / Democratic presidential candidate)
"I want to reassure our allies in Japan and South Korea and elsewhere that we have mutual defense treaties and we will honor them. It is essential that America's word be good."
◆face off （直接）対決する
◆take the stage 舞台に上がる、登場する
◆mutual defense 相互防衛条約
◆honor （約束などを）遵守する
