RFK Jr. says Trump might lose support from independents after debate

Former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested Tuesday’s debate cost former President Donald Trump support in the polls.

Mr. Kennedy said Mr. Trump got “distracted” during the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I think, on substance, President Trump wins in terms of his governance. But he didn’t tell that story. In fact, the first question was an extraordinary lost opportunity,” Mr. Kennedy said in an interview with Fox News Wednesday.

“I think it’s unfortunate because I think he really had an airtight argument for his presidency, but he was not able to make that case to the American public,” he said.

He said that specifically among independents, Mr. Trump will see a “slight drop in his support.”

“I think President Trump did not tell his story, which is a very, very good story about his presidency, and I think that he didn’t convey that as well as he could,” he said.

Mr. Kennedy gave accolades to Ms. Harris, saying she won the debate “in terms of her delivery, her polish, her organization and her preparation.”

Still, his support for Mr. Trump is unwavering.

“I was listening to the substance,” he said. “And on the substance, President Trump wins.”

Mr. Trump claims he won the debate, but polls show most Americans see Ms. Harris as the winner.

Mr. Kennedy pushed back on that, arguing that “a lot of [the polls] probably have statistical problems.”