Russian state TV propagandists constantly predicted that the “charismatic” Trump—previously described as “our Donald”—would demolish Kamala Harris, who they’ve described as a stupid, inexperienced newcomer, in Tuesday night’s debate.
In the run-up to the debate, they have provided ample propaganda on Kamala Harris, including clips directly from Fox News that mocked her. They’ve described her as incapable of performing without a teleprompter, and have even cited weird conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who insisted Harris has such “performance anxiety” that she would show up to the debate high on drugs.
But those same hosts and pundits were eating crow, shocked at Trump’s performance, resorting to excuses that their favored candidate was somehow disadvantaged or sabotaged.
Notorious state TV host Vladimir Solovyov was appalled that moderator David Muir fact-checked Trump’s harebrained attempt to promote an unfounded conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are capturing and eating their neighbors’ pet cats and dogs. Solovyov exclaimed that Muir’s intervention was inappropriate, angrily asking, “Why would he do that? I thought he was supposed to be unbiased!”
Dmitri Simes, who served as Trump’s former adviser in his 2016 presidential campaign and was recently indicted in the United States, had to concede that Harris outperformed Trump on Solovyov’s morning show.
There was, however, a bright spot for Moscow’s crusaders, when Donald Trump refused to say he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia’s invasion. Simes elaborated that Trump would end the war simply by conceding to Putin’s demands, and cut off all aid to Ukraine if necessary.
One panelist from the Russian International Affairs Council, Alexey Naumov said that Harris “managed to lure Trump into every trap she set up for him… I wish I hadn’t watched that.”
Naumov added, “Your goal is to demonstrate your moderate position and attract undecided voters, and you say, “Illegals are devouring dogs.” This sounds like a premise from hell, it attracts no one to your side… That’s why Ms. Harris is the one who can drink champagne today.”
