Trump’s Debate Performance Criticized by Allies and Donors Despite His Own Praise
In the aftermath of a heated debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump declared his performance a success, while many Republican officials, donors, and advisers expressed disappointment. Trump, 78, praised his showing during an interview on “Fox & Friends,” calling it “one of my better debates, maybe my best debate.” Despite his positive assessment, numerous insiders saw the debate as a missed opportunity for the Republican candidate.
Vice President Harris, 59, took a direct approach during the debate, challenging Trump on his record and his ongoing legal issues. The debate, held in Philadelphia and broadcast by ABC News, provided a rare chance for both candidates to address millions of viewers head-on. It attracted 67.1 million television viewers, surpassing the viewership of Trump’s debate with Joe Biden in 2020. This number does not account for online viewership, which has become increasingly popular as traditional TV audiences decline.
Among the few party leaders to publicly criticize Trump was Senator Lindsey Graham, who described the debate as “a missed opportunity.” He expressed disappointment that Trump had not remained focused and failed to highlight his achievements during his presidency. Chris Christie, a former Trump ally who helped with his debate preparations in the 2016 election, also weighed in. He commended Harris’s preparation and criticized Trump’s lack thereof, suggesting a change was needed in his debate strategy.
Despite calls for a shift in approach, the Trump campaign has not commented on whether they will alter their debate preparation team. With eight weeks remaining until the election and early voting starting in some states, the debate’s impact on the race remains a point of discussion.
Anonymous sources, including six Republican donors and three Trump advisers, revealed that many within Trump’s camp believed Harris had won the debate due to Trump’s inability to remain on message. One particularly controversial moment mentioned by the sources was Trump’s reference to a false online claim about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, a remark that many found damaging.
Although some insiders believed the debate might not significantly affect polling numbers, interviews with undecided voters suggested mixed reactions. Out of 10 undecided voters interviewed, six indicated a preference for Trump or leaned toward supporting him after the debate, while three favored Harris. One voter remained undecided.
Harris’s campaign, encouraged by her performance, has challenged Trump to a second debate in October. Opinions among Trump’s donors on whether he should accept the challenge were divided. Some expressed reservations, citing concerns over his focus, while others saw a second debate as an opportunity for Trump to regain momentum. Bill Bean, a commercial real estate investor and Trump donor, echoed these sentiments, stating, “My honest opinion is that Trump underperformed and she overperformed.”
The debate has sparked a wide array of opinions within the Republican Party and the broader electorate, with Trump facing pressure to adjust his strategy as the election draws closer.
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