Did Donald Trump Just Ether Himself?

Donald Trump's own debate performance may have hurt him more than anything his opponent had to say.

Donald Trump looking down during Hofstra debate.
Getty

Donald Trump looking down during Hofstra debate.

Donald Trump looking down during Hofstra debate.

Donald Trump's performance at Monday night's Presidential debate was, before the debate even ended, already the stuff of Twitter legend. His frequent and loud sniffs even inspired their own Twitter account

But beyond the sniffs, The Donald's frequent fumbling, protestations, and lies were instantaneously caught and cataloged on social media. While Trump accounted for 62 percent of the total Twitter conversation, according to stats from the company, much of that was negative and mocking. Even those you might think would be on Trump's side, such as noted GOP pollster Frank Luntz, praised Hillary Clinton's demeanor when faced with Trump's attacks.

Text from a GOP friend of mine in Congress.

I'm sorry, Congressman, but tonight Hillary is coming across as presidential. #DebateNight pic.twitter.com/DsEEV2FSho

— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 27, 2016

Trump's loose tongue also provided his opponent with lines that will surely be heard in TV ads in the weeks to come.

.@washingtonpost: Did Trump just hand Clinton a campaign ad? https://t.co/gnwSPjSbec #debatenight pic.twitter.com/6r0QwnGOaa

— Ian Sams (@IanSams) September 27, 2016

Trump's attempt to deflect attention on Russia over recent hacks on the DNC, saying that it could easily have been a "400-pound guy" lying on his bed, was met with instant mockery, with many wondering if he was confusing real life with The Simpsons.

.@TheSimpsons Trump shouts out comic book guy sitting on his bed wearing 400 pounds.

— Al Jean (@AlJean) September 27, 2016

Breaking News: 400 pound guy responsible for #DNCleak #Debates2016 pic.twitter.com/JSQjBf2Hfj

— DAYS UNHINGED FANS (@UnhingedDays) September 27, 2016

Trump claimed that former Clinton campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle said that Clinton's 2008 campaign was responsible for the Birther conspiracies. That was quickly countered by a tweet from Doyle herself, who denied saying any such thing.

Once again for the record, @HillaryClinton nor her campaign started the birther conspiracy or trafficked in it. Period #factcheck2016

— Patti Solis Doyle (@PattiSolisDoyle) September 27, 2016

As the night went on, everyone from tennis stars to former foreign leaders were teeing off on Trump.

How can anyone think DT should be POTUS is truly beyond me...

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 27, 2016

Ay, @realDonaldTrump, you don't debate, you only talk gibberish.

— Vicente Fox Quesada (@VicenteFoxQue) September 27, 2016

The two contestants meet again on Oct. 9 at Washington University in St. Louis.

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