Trump's Debate Debacle: A Missed Opportunity to Solidify Financial Support

Former President Donald J. Trump's performance in Tuesday night's debate is likely to exacerbate the widening financial gap that he faces with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now enjoying her eighth week of momentum with big and small donors alike.

Securing the Purse Strings: Trump's Backers Grapple with Potential Funding Shortfall

The Debate's Impact on Fundraising

Debates have long been pivotal events in the world of high-dollar and low-dollar fundraising. In the aftermath of Tuesday's debate, interviews with Mr. Trump's backers revealed a mix of reactions. While some echoed the former president's complaints about the moderators' perceived unfairness, many also acknowledged that he should have persisted regardless and that they believed he had ultimately lost the encounter.Doug Deason, a Texas fundraiser who watched the debate with his billionaire father, Darwin Deason, described the experience as "painful to watch" due to his distaste for Ms. Harris and his frustration with the moderators and Mr. Trump's undisciplined performance. "He just can't sit and discuss policy," Mr. Deason lamented, noting that the former president had missed numerous opportunities to expose his opponent's "lies and failed on most."Similarly, Keith Rabois, a venture capitalist who has donated millions of dollars to pro-Trump groups, said he had fielded nervous messages from friends about Mr. Trump's debate performance up until his closing statement, which Mr. Rabois considered strong.

The Widening Financial Gap

The debate's impact on fundraising is particularly concerning for Mr. Trump's supporters, as the former president already faces a widening financial gap with Vice President Kamala Harris. At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July, Mr. Trump's financial backers were giddy to the point of almost overconfident. Now, they are confronting the possibility that they may be dramatically outspent.This shift in the financial landscape is likely to exacerbate the challenges facing the Trump campaign. With Vice President Harris enjoying a surge of momentum and support from both large and small donors, the former president's team may find it increasingly difficult to keep pace with the resources available to their opponents.

The Importance of Debate Performance

Debates have long been recognized as pivotal events in the world of political fundraising, with both high-dollar and low-dollar donors closely watching the candidates' performances. A strong showing can often translate into a surge in donations, as supporters are energized and motivated to contribute to the campaign.In the case of Tuesday's debate, Mr. Trump's backers were left disappointed, with many expressing concerns that his undisciplined performance had squandered an opportunity to firm up his support among voters and major contributors. The former president's inability to effectively counter Ms. Harris's arguments and expose her "lies," as Mr. Deason put it, is likely to have a lasting impact on the campaign's financial fortunes.

The Road Ahead

As the 2020 election cycle enters its final stretch, the Trump campaign will need to find ways to overcome the widening financial gap it faces with Vice President Harris. This may require a renewed focus on fundraising efforts, as well as a more disciplined and strategic approach to future debates and other public appearances.For Mr. Trump's supporters, the stakes are high, and the potential consequences of a financial shortfall could be significant. With the former president's political future hanging in the balance, the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes race.