The focus groups on both CNN and Fox News overwhelmingly agreed that Hillary Clinton won tonight’s debate.
Over on CNN, it was 18-2 for Clinton.
One of the people in the group ripped Trump for his awful temperament:
"His temperament is horrible." Florida focus group members tell @PamelaBrownCNN why #Trump's claims didn't resonate https://t.co/OuqXRYQ2ZJ
— CNN Tonight (@CNNTonight) September 27, 2016
RELATED: ‘Why Are You Doing This?’: CNN’s Tapper Stunned by How ‘Off-Message’ Trump Got
Meanwhile on Fox News, pollster and focus group guru Frank Luntz informed everyone the results aren’t good for Trump.
Even though he did highlight big advantages Trump had, he said Clinton clearly had the edge:
Trump needs to learn not to take the bait.
All dials dropped when he defended his dad's "small loan." ?
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
Trump's ratings plummet when he makes excuses for his taxes, but rebound when he calls out Hillary on her emails. #DebateNight pic.twitter.com/qCV98Eb5Up
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
Even Trump-leaners agree with Hillary. They want to see his taxes. #DebateNight pic.twitter.com/HJv2s2yTnf
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
Hillary Clinton has learned how to bait Trump. He doesn't know how to not take it.
Her attacks work. His defenses don't. pic.twitter.com/6GktBxBwiq
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
Trump is tanking when trying to explain why he questioned Obama's birthplace for so long.#DebateNight pic.twitter.com/WRXVShI1AC
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
Trump could be crushing Hillary right now if he wasn't so thin-skinned.#DebateNight
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
Hillary's response to the birther issue scored better with Trump-leaners than Donald Trump's answer to the birther issue.#DebateNight pic.twitter.com/hB5FMnbChq
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
So far, 17 people in my group say Hillary is winning; 3 say Trump.
Tax question weakened him, birther question destroyed him. #DebateNight
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
…Meanwhile, Trump's answer to the final question did not connect.#DebateNight pic.twitter.com/ZEk3zkVvUT
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
RELATED: Fox’s Brit Hume: Clinton Looked ‘Composed’ in Debate, But ‘Not Necessarily Attractive’
Who won tonite's debate?
In my focus group, 6 people said Trump and 16 said Clinton. #DebateNightYou can say here: https://t.co/rFZYklEsdr
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
Question by @TCBerenson to strongest Trump supporter in my group: "What do you think tonight?"
Answer: "He did bad, but I'm anti-Hillary."
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016
Meanwhile, MSNBC had a smaller focus group with 4 for Trump, 3 for Clinton, and no changed minds by the end of the night.
RELATED: ‘It Just Can’t Happen’: James Carville Trump’s Performance Next Time Can’t Get Worse
But what really made the night was this comment from an MSNBC focus group participant:
“I am voting for the conservative party, and if this jackass just happens to be leading this mule train, so be it.”
[image via screengrab]
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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac
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