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Debate shows Donald Trump still isn't ready for prime time
Shortly before the first presidential debate of 2016 got underway, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a prominent Donald Trump ally, insisted that the Republican candidate would "pass the test of being adequately competent" during the showdown with Hillary Clinton. The message drew swift mockery for setting the bar for Trump success at such a woefully low level.
But by the time the dust settled on the debate, Gingrich's prediction looked even worse -- because Trump didn't come close to demonstrating "adequate competence."
After the event, Trump told reporters that debate organizers gave him "a defective mic." He quickly added, "I wonder, was that on purpose? Was that on purpose?" Of course, there was no conspiracy involving Trump's microphone, though all things considered, the GOP nominee might have been better off if his mic hadn't worked and the audience didn't hear what he had to say.
When Trump needed to be honest, he lied. When he needed to be poised, he came unglued. When he needed to appear knowledgeable, he rambled incoherently. When he needed to prove that he'd prepared for the debate, he made clear he hadn't done his homework.
When Trump needed to change the trajectory of the presidential race, he offered fresh proof that he's just not ready for prime time.
At one point, towards the end, Trump pointed at Hillary Clinton and proudly declared, "I also have a much better temperament than she has, you know?" The audience laughed, which wouldn't have been especially notable, except for the fact that he wasn't trying to be funny.
It's difficult to pick out the most damaging moment of the night -- there are just so many missteps to choose from -- but from where I sat, Trump's entire performance went off the rails when moderator Lester Holt asked the Republican about his "birther" conspiracy theory.
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But by the time the dust settled on the debate, Gingrich's prediction looked even worse -- because Trump didn't come close to demonstrating "adequate competence."
After the event, Trump told reporters that debate organizers gave him "a defective mic." He quickly added, "I wonder, was that on purpose? Was that on purpose?" Of course, there was no conspiracy involving Trump's microphone, though all things considered, the GOP nominee might have been better off if his mic hadn't worked and the audience didn't hear what he had to say.
When Trump needed to be honest, he lied. When he needed to be poised, he came unglued. When he needed to appear knowledgeable, he rambled incoherently. When he needed to prove that he'd prepared for the debate, he made clear he hadn't done his homework.
When Trump needed to change the trajectory of the presidential race, he offered fresh proof that he's just not ready for prime time.
At one point, towards the end, Trump pointed at Hillary Clinton and proudly declared, "I also have a much better temperament than she has, you know?" The audience laughed, which wouldn't have been especially notable, except for the fact that he wasn't trying to be funny.
It's difficult to pick out the most damaging moment of the night -- there are just so many missteps to choose from -- but from where I sat, Trump's entire performance went off the rails when moderator Lester Holt asked the Republican about his "birther" conspiracy theory.
read more
Presidential Debate Open Thread
In about an hour, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will face off in their first of three presidential debates. If you're not near a television right now, you can still watch MSNBC's live feed of the event online right here.
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About The Rachel Maddow Show
Launched in 2008, “The Rachel Maddow Show” follows the machinations of policy making in America, from local political activism to international diplomacy. Rachel Maddow looks past the distractions of political theater and stunts and focuses on the legislative proposals and policies that shape American life - as well as the people making and influencing those policies and their ultimate outcome, intended or otherwise.
