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25 Pundits Who Couldn't Wait to Slam Trump Despite Solid Performance

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump participates in the first prime-time presidential debate hosted by FOX News and Facebook at the Quicken Loans Arena August 6, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

By Mike Garcia | Friday, 07 August 2015 10:14 AM EDT

Professional political pundits took aim at Donald Trump during Thursday night's Republican debate, alleging that his performance was a disaster, even though the frontrunner turned in a solid performance.

Two polls from Time and the Drudge Report showed that everyday Americans voted Trump the overwhelming winner of the debate.

But, still, pundits went after him.

Gathered below are negative Trump reactions taken from Twitter.

Early impressions? Rubio and Christie did very well. Walker, Kasich were solid. Jeb Bush seemed nervous, halting. Trump was a clown-show.
— Stephen Hayes (@stephenfhayes) August 7, 2015

Trump bombast verged on self-parody downfall will ultimately be his own obnoxious personality. http://t.co/jDhN2H5xvB
— Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) August 7, 2015

Carson, Cruz & Paul all look different - and better - with Trump as a contrast. http://t.co/mOqUXJdigT pic.twitter.com/uxp19XOE9l
— jimgeraghty (@jimgeraghty) August 7, 2015

Fox News focus group murdering Trump. He looked a bit exposed, He needed to move the ball a bit, show he's growing, and he didn't.
— John Nolte (@NolteNC) August 7, 2015

We were all fooled. Trump was exactly who he is Thursday night. And by the end, it wasn't wearing well. My wrap-up: http://t.co/2GtkXjLBSX
— Mike Warren (@MichaelRWarren) August 7, 2015

In reality, Trump was terrible. Maybe this Luntz focus group suggests people actually noticed.
— Ben White (@morningmoneyben) August 7, 2015

No clear winner, but Trump pretty clearly the loser--any number of moments that were the worst he has had in campaign and crowd not charmed
— Rich Lowry (@RichLowry) August 7, 2015

Media focused on style points, but key moment was substantive: Trump refusal to support nominee. Ultimately damaging with primary voters.
— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) August 7, 2015

Trump's been Trump. And so far that hasn't hurt him. Will it this time?
— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) August 7, 2015

Fiorina impresses as Trump's schtick wears thin http://t.co/E2zz78FSax
— Andrew Malcolm (@AHMalcolm) August 7, 2015

Trump looking less presidential as time goes on: talking of "using laws to my advantage" & "leaving Atlantic City before it cratered"--WOW!
— John Gizzi (@johngizzi) August 7, 2015

Trump is a complete and total clown. https://t.co/zPJWRJPuue
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) August 7, 2015

Trump shouldn't point at his hair. Even if he says "brain" while doing it.
— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahNRO) August 7, 2015

#Trump sounding like a typical politician. "I've evolved...just like Ronald Reagan."
— Kennedy (@KennedyNation) August 7, 2015

Trump can't answer a single question directly. It's remarkable. A kind of perverse talent.
— Mary Kissel (@marykissel) August 7, 2015

Maybe Trump should run for governor of Puerto Rico.
— James Taranto (@jamestaranto) August 7, 2015

I feel sorry for Trump's pet after this debate. He's going to want to kick something really hard. #GOPDebate
— jon gabriel (@exjon) August 7, 2015

Trump whining about "unfair" questions. Such a victim. "He's a fighter!!" Who quickly blames anyone in sight for his shortcomings. #Hero
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) August 7, 2015

Trump is delusional if he thinks illegal immigration wasn't a topic until his announcement. #crazy #GOPDebate
— Sean Noble (@SeanNobleAZDC) August 7, 2015

Jeb's earlier characterization of Trump as an a-hole? SPOT ON.
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) August 7, 2015

Last night I joked that it seemed like Trump didn't even study for the debate. Had no idea it was literally true: http://t.co/4oyrM9obDy
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) August 7, 2015

What Trump is thinking right now. pic.twitter.com/1R6yHXVKv3
— Chris Cillizza (@TheFix) August 7, 2015

"Blast of Reality TV Comes to Republican Stage" http://t.co/xnRFknHpfY pic.twitter.com/tES3P3oKNw
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) August 7, 2015

I really like trumps candor. I don't believe him, I question his reasons for being in, I don't think he should... http://t.co/DXI5XUh98Y
— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) August 7, 2015

One thing is certain: That debate, even with Trump's blather, was about 100 times more impressive than any of the 2011-12 GOP debates.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) August 7, 2015

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