As the clock ticked down to a major debate, Donald Trump found himself in a state of apparent panic, bombarding his supporters with a barrage of frantic emails. These messages, sent out almost hourly, painted a bleak picture of impending chaos and disaster. The emails contained inflammatory rhetoric, accusations against political opponents, and warnings that “all hell is about to break loose.” Trump’s tone seemed more desperate than confident, raising questions about his state of mind leading into the debate.

One of Trump’s emails, sent just 24 hours before the debate, ominously warned that Vice President Kamala Harris was about to “unveil her real sick plan for America,” and that when she did, all hell would break loose. He also claimed that Harris had raised half a billion dollars from “Liberal Elites who hate our country,” a false narrative that fits into Trump’s broader strategy of portraying his opponents as anti-American. This rhetoric echoes his long-standing theme of casting Democrats as enemies of the state, but his words seemed increasingly exaggerated and alarmist.

Despite his attempt to galvanize his supporters with fear, Trump’s actions indicated a lack of confidence. He frequently emphasized that no matter how well he performed in the debate, the media would declare Harris the winner. This preemptive excuse-making signaled a deeper insecurity. Rather than focusing on preparing for the debate, Trump seemed consumed with setting up a narrative of victimhood and conspiracy.

The emails also revealed Trump’s bizarre fixation on material promotions, including the release of a new MAGA hat and merchandise designed to capitalize on his legal woes. One email even suggested that his supporters buy hats to commemorate his “criminality,” a statement that reflects the abnormal nature of his campaign. Running for president while embracing one’s legal entanglements is not a typical strategy, yet Trump has turned it into a cornerstone of his appeal.

Beyond his frantic emails, Trump’s surrogates also played a role in ramping up the rhetoric. Charlie Kirk, a prominent Trump operative, speculated about a possible “bombshell” revelation from Harris during the debate, suggesting outlandish scenarios such as personal trauma. Kirk also called for a “right-wing revolution,” further escalating the tension surrounding the debate.

Meanwhile, Trump’s former allies and top officials from his first term have come out strongly against him. A viral ad from Kamala Harris featured statements from Trump’s former Vice President, Defense Secretary, and National Security Advisor, all warning that Trump is unfit to lead. These figures, who once worked closely with him, now caution against his return to power, underscoring the seriousness of the concerns surrounding his candidacy.

In one of his more alarming statements leading up to the debate, Trump announced his intention to pardon January 6 insurrectionists if he wins the presidency again. He has openly promised to reward those who participated in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, a move that would undermine the rule of law and embolden extremists. He also pledged to turn the United States into a “tariff nation,” although his grasp of economics appeared shaky. Trump seemed unaware that tariffs would primarily affect American consumers, leading to inflation and economic instability.

As debate day approached, Trump’s erratic behavior left supporters confused and corporate media puzzled by his actions. His emails, speeches, and public statements painted a portrait of a man who is increasingly out of touch with reality and determined to sow discord. His campaign, built on fearmongering and sensationalism, seems more focused on chaos than on offering substantive solutions to the country’s problems.

In contrast, Kamala Harris’s campaign emphasized stability, compassion, and a vision for the future. A touching ad about the importance of IVF, a topic deeply personal to many families, highlighted the humane side of her platform. This stark difference in tone and content between the two candidates underscored the growing divide in American politics. While Trump embraces extremism and fear, Harris and her allies appeal to hope and unity.

As Trump’s pre-debate meltdown unfolded, it became increasingly clear that his strategy relies on maintaining a loyal base by any means necessary—even if it means spreading falsehoods, promoting conspiracy theories, and embracing his own legal troubles. His erratic behavior in the lead-up to the debate suggests that he is more concerned with controlling the narrative than with winning on policy or performance. Whether this approach will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but it has certainly left a lasting impression on the state of American politics.