The first debate showdown lived up to the hype, breaking records as the most-watched debate in U.S. history. Mary Ann Ahern reports on the big takeaways from the event.
With seemingly all eyes on Monday's presidential debate between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, some notable Chicagoans took to social media to share their opinions.
In a tweet sent Monday night, famed podcaster and former White House staffer David Axelrod called it a "very strong night" for Clinton, noting, "I guess prep matters."
Meanwhile, actor and Evanston native John Cusack took to Twitter to criticize Trump, barbing with "trolls" throughout the night.
"He's emotionally a third grader," Cusack said. "Anyone who thinks that's not dangerous in the Oval Office is delusional."
Former Cincinnati Mayor Jerry Springer, who filmed "The Jerry Springer Show" in Chicago, endorsed Clinton and slammed Trump in a single tweet Monday night.
"Hillary Clinton belongs in the White House," Springer wrote. "Donald Trump belongs on my show."
Additionally, local musician Chance the Rapper also used the platform to criticize Trump's proposed policy to use "law and order" to address violence in urban areas Monday. The Republican also namechecked Chicago while discussing controversial "stop and frisk" police tactics.
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"Dear God, the words law & order shouldn't strike so much fear in my heart as a law abiding citizen but I am so damn scared of Donald Trump," Chance tweeted. "Law & Order was once a tv show. Now it's a threat from a tyrant."
Chance's frequent collaborator Vic Mensa, who is signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation, sent out a tweet Tuesday championing Clinton for addressing criminal justice reform during the debate.
"Hillary gained a lot of respect from me last night for her criminal justice reform statement," Mensa wrote. "We can't change the past only the future."
Conservative talk radio host and former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh weighed in on the debate Tuesday morning, claiming Clinton performed well because she wasn't pressed on certain controversial issues.
"Good night for Hillary. Why?" Walsh asked in a tweet. "Because there were no questions on immigration, the border, Benghazi, or the Clinton Foundation. That's why."
However, many Illinois Republicans stayed away from the debate completely. This includes Sen. Mark Kirk, who previously disavowed the billionaire's campaign, and Gov. Bruce Rauner, who wouldn't comment on whether or not he would watch the debate Monday, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Nevertheless, there were some high-profile Republican backers from accross the country who voiced support for Trump.
Actor James Woods criticized Clinton Monday for once referring to African-Americans "super-predators."
"Are you talking about people you once called 'super-predators,' Mrs. Clinton" #racist," Woods tweeted. "Hey, lady, stop taxing people to death and support job creation. Inner city Americans need jobs!!!"
Additionally, actress and Fox News contributor Stacey Dash pledged her support for Trump's "law and order" proposal Monday.
"Bring back law and order," she tweeted. "Yes!!"
