Donald Trump’s latest debate performance has come under fire from a familiar source—longtime television correspondent Geraldo Rivera. In a scathing critique following the 2024 presidential debate, Rivera, now a correspondent-at-large for NewsNation, described the former president’s showing as “childish” and “unprepared,” casting doubt on Trump’s ability to maintain his frontrunner status in the Republican race.
Rivera’s harsh assessment centered on what he viewed as Trump’s chaotic and disorganized approach during the debate, particularly his inability to make coherent arguments on key issues. This critique is a stark departure from their once-friendly relationship, and Rivera did not mince words as he highlighted what he saw as Trump’s critical failures on the debate stage.
The debate, which saw Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris square off, quickly turned into a media spectacle, with the former president attempting to dominate the stage using his signature bombastic style. However, according to Rivera, Trump’s performance was more cringeworthy than commanding. He noted that Trump fixated on a bizarre comment about Haitian immigrants, which derailed the discussion and made the former president seem obsessed and out of touch.
Rivera contrasted Trump’s performance with Harris’s, noting that despite the former president’s attempts to bulldoze his opponent, Harris came across as competent and composed. He suggested that Trump’s brash approach was ineffective, and instead of undermining Harris, he inadvertently elevated her by failing to land any substantial blows. Rivera highlighted that Harris appeared prepared and poised throughout, while Trump descended into what he described as a chaotic display that lacked focus or substance.
This critique from Rivera suggests that Trump, at 78, may have lost his edge in the high-pressure environment of a presidential debate. Rivera went on to predict that Trump’s performance could give Harris a boost, potentially reigniting her campaign’s momentum. While the former president had seen a surge in polling post-convention, Rivera speculated that Harris’s strong showing during the debate would reverse that trend.
Rivera’s sharpest rebuke came when he commented on Trump’s lack of preparation, accusing the former president of relying on bluster rather than substance. He suggested that Trump’s performance could have been an opportunity to solidify his standing as the favorite in the race, but instead, he squandered it with what Rivera called a “bully” approach that lacked presidential gravitas. According to Rivera, Trump’s debate tactics resembled a junior high argument rather than a serious presidential candidate’s strategy.
Trump, however, saw the debate differently. Despite widespread criticism, he defended his performance, claiming he was at a disadvantage due to what he described as a biased setup. Trump’s response was characteristically defiant, insisting that he had delivered one of his best debate performances and dismissing any suggestion that Harris had outperformed him.
As the fallout from the debate continues to unfold, Trump’s critics are becoming more vocal about the weaknesses in his campaign strategy, while his supporters remain steadfast in their belief that he can reclaim the White House in 2024. Rivera’s remarks, however, may resonate with those who are looking for a more disciplined and focused candidate as the race intensifies.
With the 2024 election heating up, the debate performance—and subsequent fallout—has underscored the high stakes for both candidates. Whether Trump’s bombastic style can continue to rally his base or alienate undecided voters remains to be seen, but Rivera’s criticism suggests that the former president may need to reconsider his approach as the campaign moves forward.