Various media outlets have posted transcripts online of Monday's presidential debate. If you truly care about our country's direction, turn off the television and read the actual words spoken by Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Ask yourself: Who presents understandable ideas and articulates clarity of thought? Which one makes the most sense?

Republican Donald Trump's bullying, blowhard nature comes across in print almost as vividly as it did on television. There's no question he is confident and impressed with his own business success. Voters must judge whether such an abrasive and rude personality belongs in the Oval Office.

Democrat Hillary Clinton exhibited patience despite the repeated interruptions and non-sequiturs interjected by her opponent. Did Clinton allow herself to be bullied, or did she simply clear a path for Americans to see who Trump really is? It's relevant because we live in a world of bullies. The American president must be steadfast in the face of confrontation.

Post-debate polls indicate most viewers saw Clinton as the victor, which is hardly surprising based on our review of the transcript. Trump jumped from one topic to another, often in mid-sentence. He lacked focus and an informed grasp of important topics.

Consider this Trump answer on the topic of how to bring jobs back to America: "She's going to raise taxes $1.3 trillion. Look at her website. It's no different than this. She's telling us how to fight ISIS. She tells you how to fight ISIS on her website. I don't think General MacArthur would like that too much."

When he did focus, the answer was often telling. For example, Clinton stated, "Donald was one of the people who rooted for the housing crisis. He said back in 2006, 'Gee, I hope it does collapse because then I can go in and buy some and make some money.' Well, it did collapse."

Instead of denying that he exploited the crisis, Trump embraced it, saying, "That's called business, by the way."

Regarding Trump's failure to release his tax statements, Clinton asserted: "Maybe it's because you haven't paid any federal income tax for a lot of years."

Trump didn't try to argue the point. Had he paid income tax, he said, "It would be squandered, too, believe me."

Clinton quoted Trump as having referred to women as "pigs," "slobs" and "dogs." Trump invoked the name of television personality Rosie O'Donnell, as if to suggest justification.

We're not cherry-picking. The transcript is rife with these nuggets. Clinton certainly had some not-so-stellar moments, but Trump stole the show on that front.

America's next leader stands before us, potentially holding the fate of the world in his or her hands. Rarely has it been more crucial for all voters to make an informed decision. Which is why we recommend: Read the transcript.

REPRINTED FROM THE ST LOUIS POST DISPATCH