Donald Trump declared himself the winner of the first presidential debate before the poll results were released, telling the assembled reporters: “Of course she wants it, but she lost.”
During the evening, the candidates of both parties presented completely different visions for the United States, but only one of them was able to convince the American people, as the polls showed.
Republican and Democratic candidates crowded on the stage, calling for a long-awaited victory ahead of the November 5 election. Several issues considered to be of the most important concern to Americans were addressed. These included abortion rights, the economy, and immigration. ABC’s hosts criticized the objectivity of the two in the 90-minute debate.
After the debate, Donald Trump was full of confidence and declared it was “the best debate ever,” ignoring early critics who had hailed Kamala Harris as a “win.” Polls about the highly anticipated event accurately reflected how Americans felt about how it would unfold.
A CNN primary poll of tonight’s heated debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia showed Kamala Harris beating Donald Trump 63 percent to 37 percent.
But while supporters of both Democrats and Republicans on social media are claiming their candidate’s victory, Trump declared himself the winner immediately after exiting the debate.
Donald Trump told reporters waiting in the spin room that “I thought this was the best debate I’ve ever had,” expressing his opinion that Harris performed below par. He also did not hesitate to express his dissatisfaction with how presenters David Muir and Lindsay Davis vetted his remarks.
“The reason we schedule a second debate is if you lose and the other person loses,” he confidently told Fox News host Sean Hannity, hinting at a possible reconsideration. “But I’ll think about it,” he told Hannity, “I was very happy with the outcome. I felt like I had a great night, so I thought I’d come (to the Spin Room).”
Despite these claims, the CNN poll also showed that many believe Harris is more tolerant of people’s concerns, but nearly 55% have a favorable opinion of Trump. She has an edge on economic issues. President Trump joined Fox News hosts in criticizing Harris and the hosts for exaggerating Trump’s problematic comments about immigrants who rely on pet consumption and “abortion month in the ninth century,” claiming that “it was clearly three to one.”
Critics have also criticized President Trump for his misjudgment in supporting the Charlottesville mob that killed counter-protesters, while arguing that the anchors failed to hold Kamala Harris accountable. Despite some of Trump’s controversial comments during the debate possibly alienating swing voters, a CNN poll found that about 78% of Trump supporters continue to hold a solid opinion of him.
After the debate, Donald Trump was quick to announce his victory on Truth Social, citing a Newsmax poll that declared Trump the winner with 93 percent of the vote.
“Comrade Kamala Harris wants another debate because she lost so badly. Look at the polls! That’s what professional boxers do, when they lose a fight they want another one immediately. MAGA2024,” he wrote.
Kamala Harris’ campaign immediately called for a second debate after her first meeting with Donald Trump in Philadelphia. In the spin room, Trump told Hannity he wasn’t keen on another debate, likening Hannity to a defeated boxer asking for a rematch: “Of course she wants one, but she lost.”