'Can't help but laugh': Internet mocks Chris Wallace for saying Donald Trump lost 2020 debate due to not being 'respectful'

Chris Wallace said Donald Trump's behavior during the debate, particularly his interruptions, played a key role in his electoral defeat
PUBLISHED JUN 27, 2024
Chris Wallace said Donald Trump lost in 2020 due to his poor debate performance after he repeatedly interrupted Joe Biden (Getty Images)
Chris Wallace said Donald Trump lost in 2020 due to his poor debate performance after he repeatedly interrupted Joe Biden (Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Chris Wallace, the moderator of the 2020 presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, recently claimed that the former president's debate performance cost him the presidency.

His comments come as Biden and Trump prepare to face off again in a CNN-hosted debate in Atlanta.

Chris Wallace says Donald Trump lost 2020 due to poor debate performance

Wallace, now an anchor for CNN, reflected on the 2020 debate during a discussion on 'The Source with Kaitlan Collins.'

He suggested that Trump's behavior during the debate, particularly his interruptions, played a key role in his electoral defeat.

"I actually think it was one of the most consequential presidential debates in history," Wallace said, according to The Hill

"I actually think Donald Trump lost the presidency in that debate by his performance. He dropped about four or five points. He never regained it," he added.

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 19:  Fox News anchor and moderator Chris Wallace quiets the audience during
Chris Wallace suggested that Donald Trump's behavior during the debate, particularly his interruptions, played a key role in his electoral defeat (Getty Images)

Wallace also mentioned the "key question" for tonight's debate, asking, "Has he learned his lesson?"

Chris Wallace says Donald Trump campaign assured him that the former president would be respectful this time

He stated that the Trump campaign had assured him that the former president would be "nice" and "respectful" during his debate with Biden.

Wallace's recounting of this promise led to laughter among the panel members, Mediaite reported.

"The question for tomorrow night is, has he learned his lesson? I’ve talked to a lot of people in the top echelons of his staff," Wallace told the panel.

"They say he finally understands how badly he did in the 2020 debate, and the two words that are coming out you don’t usually hear from the Trump camp are 'nice' and 'respectful.' He intends to be both," he added.

MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' plays clips from Donald Trump's speech in Iowa (YouTube/MSNBC)
Chris Wallace stated that the Trump campaign had assured him that Doanld Trump would be "nice" and "respectful" during his debate with Joe Biden (YouTube/MSNBC)

During the 2020 presidential debate, Trump frequently interrupted both Biden and Wallace.

"We had somebody count," Wallace said. "He interrupted Joe Biden or me 145 times in 90 minutes … if he does that, I think it would be a big mistake, and he’ll pay a price for it," he added.

Wallace, however, said that Trump plans to change his approach this time around. "I'm telling you... He very much intends not to make the same mistake," Wallace insisted.

Internet reacts to Chris Wallace’s comments about Donald Trump

The internet had mixed reactions about Trump's intent to be respectful and the laughter the panel had on it.

One user wrote, "Chris Wallace, gradually slipping into obscurity," mocking Wallace for his laughter about Trump's promise.

Another commenter was more scathing, writing, "I wonder if Chris Wallace will be hiding under Biden’s podium tonight with his mouth wide open."

Expressing skeptism, one wrote, "Come on. Trump's camp says he is going to be 'respectful' tonight. I am sorry but I can't help but laugh."

"When has The Don ever been respectful? I heard Chris Wallace (who moderated last debate between them) say that he thinks Trump lost in 2020 because of that debate!" the user added.

Another user echoed, "Y’all want to watch him lose again??" The comment aligns with the assertion that Trump will repeats same mistake he made during 2020 debate.

"He lost the presidency when all those states cheated (Democrats)," wrote one. "Trump user swayed by the false belief that 2020 election's were stolen," added another.



 



 



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Trump highlighted his strong track record of political endorsements, claiming that most candidates he supports go on to win, particularly in Texas
5 minutes ago
Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump will attend the dignified transfer of US service members killed in Operation Epic Fury to stand with their families
9 minutes ago
Ocasio-Cortez argued Trump’s foreign policy decisions lacked a clear strategy and appeared to coincide with renewed scrutiny over Epstein-related files
25 minutes ago
Marjorie Taylor Greene warned that forcing a candidate to withdraw could anger Republican voters, potentially hurting the party in the election
28 minutes ago
Karoline Leavitt said Iran rejected peace and chose to pursue nuclear weapons, prompting President Donald Trump’s administration to act against Tehran
29 minutes ago
Newsom accused Trump of pushing Texas redistricting for five extra GOP seats as Democrats advanced a new California map ahead of the midterms
59 minutes ago
Lindsey Graham backed the war against Iran, calling its leadership a 'cult of death' and saying the US aims to remove the threat, not run the country
1 hour ago
Schumer urged senators to back a War Powers Resolution, saying Trump’s Iran actions risk another costly foreign conflict without Congress sign-off
1 hour ago
Karoline Leavitt said Operation Epic Fury is 'absolutely crushing' Iran’s regime and marks a major shift in US strategy against Tehran
1 hour ago
Mace pressed Walz on Minnesota’s autism funding surge, accusing him of failing to know key state figures during tense questioning
2 hours ago