Donald Trump claims Fox moderator Megyn Kelly 'bombed' in Republican debate
GOP candidate takes to Twitter to criticize host, pollster following Thursday's debate
Donald Trump unofficially continued his first U.S. Republican presidential debate last night on social media, taking to Twitter to criticize one of the moderators and attack others who felt his performance fell short.
Trump, who was joined by nine other candidates at the debate Thursday evening, faced tough questions about his past disparaging comments about women and being the sole candidate to refuse to pledge his support to the eventual party nominee.
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After the debate, Trump had some less-than-kind words for one of the debate's hosts, Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.
Wow, <a href="https://twitter.com/megynkelly">@megynkelly</a> really bombed tonight. People are going wild on twitter! Funny to watch.
—@realDonaldTrumpI really enjoyed the debate tonight even though the <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews">@FoxNews</a> trio, especially <a href="https://twitter.com/megynkelly">@megynkelly</a>, was not very good or professional!
—@realDonaldTrumpDuring the debate, Trump had already taken issue with Kelly's treatment of him. Following a question about past disparaging remarks about women, he said, "Honestly, Megyn, if you don't like it, I'm sorry. I've been very nice to you, although I could probably maybe not be based on the way you have treated me."
After posting tweets directed at Kelly, Trump focused on retweeting some of his supporters who were also critical of the host.
"<a href="https://twitter.com/ElvisFever">@ElvisFever</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/megynkelly">@megynkelly</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews">@FoxNews</a> Out to get you with baited questions. She was angry at you. Very hostile and unprofessional"
—@realDonaldTrump"<a href="https://twitter.com/CaptTimScrim">@CaptTimScrim</a>: Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/megynkelly">@megynkelly</a> , your attempted hatchet job on <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a> was unbecoming & a total failure. <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews">@FoxNews</a>
—@realDonaldTrump"<a href="https://twitter.com/joshuapantoja">@joshuapantoja</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/megynkelly">@megynkelly</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FrankLuntz">@FrankLuntz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a> you tried to attack Trump, he took it and smiled. Trump will be the next president
—@realDonaldTrumpKelly has not yet responded to Trump's statements on Twitter.
Calls pollster 'a low class slob'
Trump also had harsh words for Frank Luntz, a pollster and the founder of Luntz Global, which runs focus groups.
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Luntz was holding a focus group during the debate and tweeting about how Trump's performance influenced people's perception of him.
Over the course of his response to <a href="https://twitter.com/megynkelly">@MegynKelly</a>’s question, Donald Trump scored the highest and the lowest mark of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOPDebate?src=hash">#GOPDebate</a> so far.
—@FrankLuntzDonald Trump’s support has flipped in my focus group following tonight’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOPDebate?src=hash">#GOPDebate</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KellyFile?src=hash">#KellyFile</a>
—@FrankLuntzDonald Trump’s crack at Rosie O’Donnell sent my focus group numbers soaring. 📈 His jab at <a href="https://twitter.com/megynkelly">@MegynKelly</a> sent them plummeting. 📉
—@FrankLuntzIf a Trump falls during a debate and millions see it live, does it make a difference in the polls? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOPDebate?src=hash">#GOPDebate</a>
—@FrankLuntzTrump did not take kindly to Luntz's criticism and accused him of picking people for his focus group that were anti-Trump.
.<a href="https://twitter.com/FrankLuntz">@FrankLuntz</a>, your so-called "focus groups" are a total joke. Don't come to my office looking for business again. You are a clown!
—@realDonaldTrump.<a href="https://twitter.com/FrankLuntz">@FrankLuntz</a> is a low class slob who came to my office looking for consulting work and I had zero interest. Now he picks anti-Trump panels!
—@realDonaldTrumpLuntz took the allegations in stride, tweeting out a link for people to sign up for his focus groups if they want to "set them straight."
If you think my focus groups are faulty, you can set them straight. Join my next one here: <a href="http://t.co/uYyV1g0WbQ">http://t.co/uYyV1g0WbQ</a>
—@FrankLuntz