Frank Luntz Defends Trump's Clunky' Gaffe On Whether He Thinks About Americans' Financial Situations'

"The president was asked, “Mr. President, what extent are Americans financial situations motivating you to make a deal?” He answered, “Not even a little bit.” He added, “The only thing that matters when I'm talking about Iran, they can't have a nuclear weapon. I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody. I think about one thing: we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's all.”"

"A host said the response set off a buzzer because Republicans “really need to be seen right now as thinking about Americans' financial situations.” She asked whether voters should be worried that the statement could color their perceptions of Republicans. She characterized the answer as clunky and said it did not align with the need to show concern for affordability and daily financial pressures."

"A pollster said, “I don't believe that he actually meant it that way.” He added, “I don't think he would say it that way again.” He said the intent was to communicate that “national security is job number one.” He continued, “It's the first and foremost responsibility of the commander in chief,” and that other aspects that make life easier for Americans are secondary, even though the message “came out” differently."

"The host said Americans’ dominant worry includes safety and security, and she questioned whether the president adequately communicated why the war would make them safer. She pointed to the cost of groceries as “horrendously expensive.” She said the president needs to communicate not only his desire to address affordability, but also how his approach would improve Americans’ security and financial conditions."

A reporter asked whether Americans’ financial situations motivated a peace deal with Iran. The president replied that he did not consider Americans’ finances and focused only on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. A host said the response triggered concern because Republicans need to appear focused on Americans’ financial well-being. A pollster called the answer clunky and a mistake, while arguing the intent was to communicate that national security is the commander in chief’s first responsibility. The host said the president should better explain how the approach would make Americans safer and address affordability concerns such as grocery costs.

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