CBS News' Reince Priebus lauds Trump debate performance: “I think he was charming tonight”
Published
Citation From the October 22, 2020, edition of CBS News' America Decides
REINCE PRIEBUS (CBS NEWS POLITICAL ANALYST): Well, I don't know if that's true, Norah. I mean, it's certainly what the poll says. But, I don't think that's the case. If that were the case we'd be losing Florida by double digits right now and that's just not true. I think President Trump probably wins Florida. I think things are a little bit tighter in this race than I think some of the people out there are talking about. But, look, the president did a few things today which was in the plan.
Number one, I think he was charming tonight. I think he was presidential. I think he, obviously, let Biden talk, which Dickerson just alluded to. But that was important, to let Biden talk and give him some rope. But, number three, pivoted back to Biden a lot. And I think ultimately the biggest score for the president was when he said, "All talk, no action. You've been in politics for 47 years. You were vice president for eight years. You didn't do it. And here you are coming here and telling us about all your plans." I mean, there was a lot to talk about tonight. Obviously, we don't have the time to go through it all. But certainly, a better debate. I think the president did very well. And I also think the moderator did a much better job.