In the aftermath of a disastrous debate performance, Donald Trump finds himself facing a barrage of criticism and troubling news. The event, which saw Vice President Kamala Harris shine while Trump faltered, has left many stunned, particularly within the ranks of Fox News, where hosts and commentators scramble to make sense of the fallout.

Even Fox News can't spin Trump's debate performance: He had 'a bad night' - nj.com

The Harris campaign has already called for a second debate, citing their belief that she performed exceptionally well while Trump struggled. Their rationale? Harris’s strong showing has ignited a desire to showcase that success once more. This sentiment was echoed by various commentators who noted the stark contrast in performance between the two candidates.

Fox News, known for its staunch support of Trump, is grappling with the implications of his lackluster performance. Sean Hannity and other conservative figures have resorted to blaming the moderators for what they perceive as an unfair debate structure. They argue that the questions leaned heavily against Trump, claiming that the moderators acted as extensions of Harris’s campaign. Hannity’s frustration was palpable as he called for more balanced moderation, lamenting that the questions directed at Trump were often accusatory, while those posed to Harris lacked the same scrutiny.

Lara Trump, Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, echoed these sentiments, portraying the debate as a “three-on-one” scenario that was inherently unfair. This narrative of victimhood is a common theme among Trump’s supporters, who often frame challenges as conspiracies against him.

Despite the chaos, some Fox hosts attempted to spin the narrative in Trump’s favor. Dana Perino suggested that if viewers only focused on Trump’s initial and closing remarks, they might leave with a positive impression of his performance. However, this optimistic interpretation seemed to clash with the broader consensus that Trump struggled throughout the debate.

Jesse Waters, another Fox commentator, noted the intensity of the debate, acknowledging that while Harris started off shaky, she regained her footing and delivered memorable lines. Waters’ comments reflect a deeper concern among conservatives: that Harris’s performance could resonate positively with voters, contrasting sharply with Trump’s erratic style.

Britt Hume, a veteran commentator, accurately assessed the situation, stating that Trump had a bad night and repeatedly fell into Harris’s traps. He highlighted that many of Trump’s old grievances resurfaced, which he had previously been advised to avoid. This regression may signal a troubling trend for Trump as he attempts to navigate the current political landscape.

In an effort to regain control of the narrative, Trump appeared on Fox post-debate, insisting that it was his best performance yet. He claimed overwhelming support from polls, citing inflated numbers that seemed disconnected from reality. His insistence on having “won” the debate, despite widespread criticism, underscores a troubling pattern of denial that could alienate potential supporters.

As the debate fallout continues, Trump’s allies are left grappling with the implications of his performance. Many are concerned that his failure to connect with voters on substantive issues could undermine his campaign. The internal divisions within the Republican Party are becoming increasingly apparent, as former allies like Chris Christie criticize Trump for being unprepared and failing to address critical topics.

Adding to Trump’s woes, a troubling video has emerged that further complicates his narrative. The video showcases moments from the debate that highlight Trump’s disarray and inability to engage effectively. This visual evidence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges he faces as he attempts to rally his base.

In conclusion, Trump’s post-debate struggles reflect a broader crisis within his campaign. As Fox News grapples with the fallout, the question remains: can Trump recover from this setback, or will it signal a turning point in the race? With the Harris campaign gaining momentum and the Republican Party facing internal strife, the coming weeks will be crucial for both candidates as they prepare for what lies ahead.