Did Trump’s Spin Room Appearance Signal a Shift in Strategy?

AFP/APP

Philadelphia: Minutes after being challenged by Kamala Harris during their US presidential debate on Tuesday, Donald Trump made a surprise appearance before reporters to have the last word.

As the debate concluded, gasps of surprise filled the air when Trump entered the press room, known as the “spin room,” where candidates’ spokespeople and supporters typically distribute talking points to journalists.

With cameras and microphones in hand, dozens of reporters crowded around, eager to get close to the former president. When asked about his appeal to Black voters, Trump responded, “I love them. They love me.” He also commented on the 90-minute debate, during which the 59-year-old Democratic candidate Harris launched a vigorous attack.

“I thought it was a great debate,” Trump said. “I thought it was my best performance, actually, but I don’t even view it as a performance.” He added, “Our country is in decline. We’re a nation in decline. And I thought that when we got that out, she was unable to defend it.”

Trump mingled with reporters before eventually disappearing behind black curtains. Aaron Kall, director of debates at the University of Michigan, noted, “The fact that he showed up in the media filing center and spin room at the end, we haven’t seen that in years. He wants to try to change the subject as quickly as possible.”

Both Trump and Harris are scheduled to resume their campaign activities on Wednesday, with less than two months remaining before the election. They will participate in separate ceremonies to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.