A Fox News Digital focus group using live reaction dials during the 2024 presidential debate saw some interesting—and unsurprising—responses when former President Donald Trump took the stage. Among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, Trump’s remark that he “took a bullet to the head” because of leftist rhetoric certainly stirred the pot.
The comment came up while Trump was addressing the so-called “weaponization” of the Department of Justice, claiming that it was Democrats and Kamala Harris who had politicized the DOJ, not him. For that moment, the focus group’s reactions were predictably divided. Republicans, represented by a red line, barely budged. Democrats, with a blue line, seemed to simmer at his remarks, but it was Trump’s comment about taking a “bullet to the head” that really moved the needle—well, for some.
Trump, of course, was referring to the assassination attempt he narrowly survived during a July rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired at him from a rooftop, grazing his ear. But in true Trump fashion, he connected the dots between that violent act and the left’s constant portrayal of him as a threat to democracy.
When he said, “They talk about Democracy – I’m a threat to Democracy. They’re a threat to Democracy,” Republicans loved it. The red line on the focus group’s graph shot up in response, proving that his base eats this stuff up.
Meanwhile, Independents (yellow line) seemed less enthused, staying flat during these exchanges, possibly because they’ve heard it all before. Democrats? Well, their reactions, indicated by the blue line, sank even lower, as expected.
Trump then pivoted to his favorite punching bag: the “Russia, Russia, Russia” investigation, calling it a “fake” witch hunt that led nowhere. But before he could finish, ABC moderator David Muir cut him off. At this point, it’s like a greatest hits tour for Trump—just roll out the usual grievances and watch the party faithful cheer.
However, in a moment that probably sent shockwaves through CNN’s echo chamber, an undecided voter had the nerve to speak some truth: life was better under Trump. The economy? Stronger. Inflation? Lower. Everything? Just better. And now, Kamala Harris is asking for another shot to “fix” the very mess her administration created. Spoiler alert: this voter isn’t buying it—and honestly, can you blame them?
CNN Undecided Voter: “My life was better when Trump was in office. The economy was better. Inflation was lower. Things were better overall. And now, with Kamala’s administration, things haven’t been so fantastic. She’s saying she can fix the problems that her administration has… pic.twitter.com/J1XWCSJYHB
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) September 11, 2024
As for the assassination attempt itself, the motives behind 20-year-old shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks remain a mystery. While Trump has every right to bring up the very real violence he faced, it’s hard not to notice that his framing of the event seems designed to fuel his ongoing narrative that he is the ultimate victim of left-wing attacks, both figuratively and literally. And judging by the focus group’s reactions, it’s clear his supporters are buying what he’s selling, while everyone else remains unconvinced.
DID YOU KNOW: Reuters conducted a post-debate focus-group of undecided voters.
FACT: Kamala refused to discuss key issues affecting hardworking Americans.
FACT: 60% of the undecided voters say Trump won last night’s debate.
FACT: Undecided voters will decide the 2024 Election. pic.twitter.com/VhaVf6KHfs
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) September 11, 2024
