“Will I Be Cut Off?”: Trump Anxious Over Debate Rules as 2024 Election Nears

A newly surfaced behind-the-scenes video believed to be part of the upcoming documentary The Art of the Surge: The Donald Trump Comeback reveals a candid look at former President Donald Trump in moments of nervousness as he heads into the 2024 Election Day. The video, shared by Courier Newsroom, provides an intimate glimpse into Trump’s anxieties and need for reassurance from his inner circle as he navigates the high-stakes environment of a presidential campaign.

In one clip, Trump is seen touring the debate stage, visibly anxious about the timing mechanism that regulates speakers’ turns. He asks several questions about the time clock, trying to understand the process. “Well, what happens if I’m 10 seconds long? Will I be cut off?” Trump queries, concerned about potentially losing time on air. The clock is designed to turn from green to yellow as his speaking time nears its end, finally turning red at zero.

“Green means I’m on?” Trump asks, seemingly puzzled by the color-coding system. An aide patiently explained that green also signifies when his opponent, Kamala Harris, could be speaking, which is not an indication of his microphone’s status. Clarifying further, the aide emphasizes, “It’s not an indicator if the mic is on or off.”

“When the mics are off, the mics are off,” Trump affirms, needing to ensure he fully understands the system. Someone off-screen confirms, “Yes.” Relieved, Trump replies, “Oh, okay. Good.” Trump then expresses a preference for a less formal format, indicating his desire to monitor his and Harris’ mic statuses. He also asks if the moderators “will be directing me” or if he’ll simply respond to Harris, showing his concerns about the structure and flow of the debate.

Another revealing moment in the documentary occurs post-debate when Trump interacts with his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio. Vance directly addresses Trump’s performance, sensing Trump’s frustration. “The story they’re going to try to spin is that you got all the momentum right now, and she stopped the momentum,” Vance tells Trump, clearly aiming to boost his spirits. Vance adds bluntly, “That’s bulls–t,” attempting to counteract any notion that Trump’s momentum had slowed.

Trump, confident in his performance, responds, “I think I killed her,” expressing satisfaction with his showing before stepping into the spin room. But Vance remains unphased by the media’s reaction, adding, “I don’t think that anyone gives a s–t. I think you killed her,” reinforcing his unwavering support for Trump’s performance.

In a final clip, Trump encounters Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who reassures him about the debate’s reception. Rubio shares that while media analysts might spin the event differently in the spin room, “real voters” will perceive it more favorably. This validation from Rubio appears to soothe Trump as he processes the debate results.

The documentary provides a unique lens into Trump’s mindset and campaign environment, showing his search for reassurance amid the pressures of the election season. His unease over the debate structure and his need for affirmation reflect the high stakes he faces as he races toward Election Day. These moments reveal Trump as not just a public figure but a candidate facing the challenges and uncertainties that come with the pursuit of a second term.