She's presidential and now we know it

So, our two main candidates for president come with baggage.

That was evident on Monday night's televised debate. The former secretary of state had to answer about her use of a private email server while she served in that office; she admitted it was a mistake and took responsibility.

Billionaire Donald's baggage was exposed, too, from his reluctance to release his income tax reports, as candidates have done in recent elections, to his claim, only recently renounced, that President Obama wasn't born in the United States.

I thought the two candidates presented a vivid contrast. While Trump talked in generalities, Clinton offered far more facts and figures.

And Clinton showed a much calmer, confident demeanor, with a far greater understanding of the intricacies of the presidency. Two moments stood out for me:

Trump commented that he thinks she lacks stamina. She reminded him of the countless miles she had flown as secretary of state, the 112 countries she visited, and the successful diplomatic agreements she had shepherded to fruition as secretary of state, a job that requires considerable stamina.

I thought she hit another home run responding to Trump's complaint that members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization aren't paying their fair share. She pointed out that the only time NATO has responded to an attack on one of its members is after the Taliban attacked the US and we went to war in Afghanistan.

I think Clinton showed the knowledge and skill needed for the presidency. Trump has a long way to go before he can match her, and I hope voters will agree that despite the baggage, Clinton has what it takes to lead the country for the next four years.