David Powell
Updated on: October 11, 2024 4:33 pm GMT
Amid ongoing tensions in the Republican landscape, former President Donald Trump’s supporters have begun circulating a baseless conspiracy theory to explain his recent poor performance in a debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. The allegations center around claims that ABC News leaked debate questions to Harris, suggesting she had an unfair advantage.
Conspiracy Claims Spread Among Trump Supporters
Following the debate, right-wing influencer Philip Anderson claimed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that a whistleblower at ABC News had provided an affidavit asserting that Harris received questions in advance. Anderson also alleged that the network assured Harris she would not be fact-checked while Trump would, indicating a deliberate attempt to support the vice president during the debate.
This claim was echoed by another user on X and subsequently picked up by a right-wing website, Leading Report. The narrative gained traction when billionaire investor Bill Ackman amplified the rumor. Trump himself hinted at the idea during a Fox News interview, stating that Harris seemed “awfully familiar” with the topics discussed in the debate.
However, ABC News has categorically denied these allegations. A spokesperson for the network told The Daily Beast, “Absolutely not. Harris was not given any questions before the debate.” The rules for the debate, disclosed on September 4, made it clear that no questions would be shared in advance with any candidates. Additionally, the moderators for the debate, Linsey Davis and David Muir, were not in contact with the Harris campaign.
Trump’s Performance Draws Criticism
Many commentators believe that the spread of these unfounded claims reflects a larger refusal among some factions of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement to accept that Trump’s debate performance may have fallen short. Experts have suggested that Trump’s debates may highlight concerning signs of cognitive decline, lending further credence to critiques of his performance.
Some supporters and commentators, however, continue to find ways to defend Trump. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem praised Trump’s decision to avoid a second debate, framing it as a strategic move to bypass what she described as a waste of time, asserting that Harris would not present her true beliefs. Others, such as former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, criticized ABC’s moderation, claiming it was biased against Trump, despite evidence indicating Trump was granted more speaking time than Harris overall.
Laura Loomer’s Controversial Claims
In a related story, controversial figure Laura Loomer has drawn attention for her inflammatory remarks regarding the September 11 attacks. Following a wave of backlash after accompanying Trump to an official memorial service, Loomer reiterated her belief in conspiracy theories about the attacks. She posted on X that there are still numerous unanswered questions related to 9/11, which, according to her, justified continued scrutiny of the government’s narrative.
Critics within both the Republican Party and the broader public sphere have urged Trump to distance himself from Loomer, who has a history of promoting conspiracy theories, including those surrounding mass shootings and immigration. Loomer’s assertions have only deepened schisms within the party, drawing responses from high-profile Republicans who have called for a more responsible approach to public discourse.
Springfield’s Mayor Addresses Immigration Rumors
In Springfield, Ohio, Mayor Rob Rue sought to dispel rumors about the local impact of immigration, following Trump’s controversial remarks suggesting that Haitian immigrants were harming the community and even stealing pets. During a CNN interview, Rue emphasized the city’s safety, stating, “Unfortunately, right now we have to focus on making sure this rhetoric is dispelled.” He described claims regarding immigrants as unfounded and damaging to Springfield’s reputation.
Rue further highlighted the contributions of new residents to the community, urging national recognition for Springfield’s positive attributes rather than sensationalist narratives. His comments reflect a growing frustration among local leaders who feel misrepresented by national figures.
Trump’s Withdrawal from Future Debates
As Trump announces that he will not participate in any further debates, conservative donors are reportedly viewing this decision as a retreat from a disastrous performance. Insider discussions among Republican fundraisers suggest they are alarmed by the potential implications of the former president’s actions and how they might affect his campaign moving forward.
Trump’s decision not to debate again appears to be a pragmatic response to criticism from some quarters, even as he deflects blame onto external factors such as media bias. Despite claims from his allies that the decision was taken for strategic reasons, many within the Republican donor class see it as an acknowledgment of the challenges he faces ahead in his 2024 bid for the presidency.
As things change in politics, we still don’t know how it will affect Trump’s supporters and the Republican Party as a whole. The discussions during the debates might play an important role in how people see these issues and how they vote in the future.
