House Republicans are reeling from former President Donald Trump’s dismal showing in the first presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. The backlash from GOP insiders reveals deep concern over Trump’s lackluster performance, which they believe handed Harris a significant advantage.
During the 90-minute debate in Philadelphia, Harris targeted Trump with sharp, personal jabs aimed at destabilizing his composure. She zeroed in on sensitive issues: the size of his rallies, the extent of his wealth, and claims of international ridicule. According to several GOP lawmakers, Harris’s strategy was effective, leaving Trump visibly flustered.
“I’m just sad,” one House Republican who is supportive of Trump told reporters. “She knew exactly where to cut to get under his skin. Just overall disappointing that he isn’t being more composed like the first debate.”
“The road just got very narrow,” they added. “This is not good.”
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Another anonymous GOP member expressed frustration, revealing that many within the party were let down by Trump’s inability to maintain focus and deliver a cohesive message. “He was right on policy but failed to stay on point,” the lawmaker said.
“Lots of missed opportunities so far,” a third House Republican texted message during the debate. “It’s not a disaster yet, but it’s certainly not good.”
The debate, a critical juncture in the 2024 election cycle, marked the first direct encounter between Trump and Harris. Despite his clear defeat, Trump’s claims of a strong performance to Fox News’s Sean Hannity—where he labeled the debate as “the best ever” and criticized moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis—many on Capitol Hill are privately conceding that his performance fell short.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) and House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (N.Y.) voiced support for Trump, with Malliotakis asserting that the debate was biased and Stefanik calling his performance “strong.” However, Trump’s decision to appear in the spin room and maintain a positive front, along with his hesitance about a second debate, suggests mounting concern within his campaign.
Harris’s campaign wasted no time calling for a second debate, accusing Trump of avoiding further confrontation after a perceived loss. Trump responded noncommittally, stating, “We’ll think about it,” and insinuating that Harris wanted another debate due to her poor showing.
“She wants to do another one because she was beaten tonight. I don’t know if we’re going to do another one,” Trump said in the spin room. “She wants a second debate because she lost tonight, very badly. … We’ll think about that.”
Some GOP insiders took to criticizing both Harris and the moderators. A Republican lawmaker decried Trump’s debate performance and argued that he squandered opportunities to attack Harris’s record.
“I think he is all over the map and has missed opportunities to hammer her record. He’s made strong points on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy, but it’s been disjointed at times.”
the lawmaker said.
The debate’s most memorable moments included Harris mocking Trump’s rally sizes and his response involving a bizarre and fact-checked claim about Haitian immigrants. The incident further tarnished Trump’s image and highlighted his erratic performance.
In contrast, House Democrats celebrated what they saw as a decisive victory for Harris. “It was the most one-sided debate I’ve ever seen,” one Democrat remarked. “Trump is so much more unhinged and incoherent than I thought he would be, and she is poised, strong, and Pitch Perfect.”
“I’m proud of her. I stand with her,” echoed a second House Democrat. “She makes sense. And he’s nuts.”
With the election cycle now in full swing, Trump’s debate performance could have significant implications for the GOP’s strategy moving forward.
