NEW YORK, USA — Veteran Republican pollster Frank Luntz offered a grim outlook for Donald Trump following the former president’s debate against Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night.
Luntz predicted that Trump’s performance could ultimately cost him the election in November.
Luntz commented during an appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Luntz criticised Trump’s approach in the debate, calling it “pessimistic” and “contemptuous,” noting that the performance left a particularly negative impression.
“I think this will cost him,” Luntz told Piers Morgan after hesitating briefly before fully committing to his prediction.
Luntz highlighted that Harris didn’t necessarily win the debate but that Trump’s responses and missed opportunities ultimately made him the loser.
“It’s not the worst debate performance I’ve seen in my career, but it’s very close to it,” Luntz said.
Pollster Frank Luntz tells Piers Morgan he thinks Donald Trump’s debate against Kamala Harris has cost him the election 👇
📺 https://t.co/G8Le89wHyV@piersmorgan | @FrankLuntz pic.twitter.com/khUU8vOMKn
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) September 11, 2024
According to Luntz, Trump squandered key opportunities to attack Harris regarding inflation and the economy, issues that could have resonated more with voters.
Instead, Trump became entangled in less substantive exchanges, such as discussions on world leaders and even remarks about dogs and cats, which detracted from his messaging.
“Trump repeatedly missed the opportunity to focus on inflation and affordability,” Luntz said, emphasizing that voter emphasis was concerned about kitchen-table issues like the economy.
Throughout the 90-minute debate, Harris baited Trump on several topics, including the size of his rallies and the perception that world leaders were laughing at him.
Trump frequently responded to these provocations, veering off-message and often directing sharp attacks at Harris, President Joe Biden, and other targets.
Though early polling suggests that viewers favoured Harris as the debate winner, Luntz concluded that the real issue lay in Trump’s approach. “It’s more accurate to say Donald Trump lost,” he remarked.
Luntz’s analysis adds to the growing concerns within the GOP about Trump’s chances in November as he continues to navigate the challenges of a heated campaign.
