Fox News post-Texas debate focus group crowns Rubio winner, fights over Trump


Frank Luntz's focus group of Texas Republican voters was pretty clear on the winner of Thursday night's presidential debate: Marco Rubio. But if Rubio won, Luntz asked them on Thursday's Kelly File, why did they spend so much time talking about Donald Trump? It turns out the focus group was sharply divided between people who liked Trump — "He's the only one on the stage who's accomplished anything," said the guy with the wrap-around mustache — and those who found him to be a pugilistic policy lightweight.
So why did they think Rubio won the debate? "He was able to attack Trump," said one young man. "I thought he was more knowledgeable about the issues," said another voter. "Rubio is charming, he has a little-boy face, he comes across as just an all-American boy, and that's what he did — he zinged Trump several times," said an older woman. He didn't come across like "a mechanical robot, like he usually does," the lone black participant said. "This time he was more personable."
And if you're wondering what the funniest moment of the night was for the focus group, as Luntz teased at the end, it was from Ben Carson, and you can watch it here.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
5 Post Office-approved cartoons about mail-in voting
Cartoons Artists take on reverse logic, Putin's election advice, and more
-
The battle of the weight-loss drugs
Talking Point Can Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly regain their former stock market glory? A lot is riding on next year's pills
-
Crossword: August 24, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Judge: Trump's US attorney in NJ serving unlawfully
Speed Read The appointment of Trump's former personal defense lawyer, Alina Habba, as acting US attorney in New Jersey was ruled 'unlawful'
-
Third judge rejects DOJ's Epstein records request
Speed Read Judge Richard Berman was the third and final federal judge to reject DOJ petitions to unseal Epstein-related grand jury material
-
Texas OKs gerrymander sought by Trump
Speed Read The House approved a new congressional map aimed at flipping Democratic-held seats to Republican control
-
Israel starts Gaza assault, approves West Bank plan
Speed Read Israel forces pushed into the outskirts of Gaza City and Netanyahu's government gave approval for a settlement to cut the occupied Palestinian territory in two
-
Court says labor board's structure unconstitutional
Speed Read The ruling has broad implications for labor rights enforcement in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi
-
Feds seek harsh charges in DC arrests, except for rifles
Speed Read The DOJ said 465 arrests had been made in D.C. since Trump federalized law enforcement there two weeks ago
-
Trump taps Missouri AG to help lead FBI
Speed Read Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been appointed FBI co-deputy director, alongside Dan Bongino
-
Trump warms to Kyiv security deal in summit
Speed Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Trump's support for guaranteeing his country's security 'a major step forward'