The final debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden aired on Thursday night, and was thankfully more civilized than the chaotic first debate, largely thanks to mutable microphones and the focus of debate moderator Kristen Welker.
Ahead of the debate, Biden got a good luck message from someone no one would've guessed: Roger Stone.
Stone is a far-right provocateur and former advisor to Trump during the 2016 campaign. There's evidence that Stone collaborated with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to disseminate emails from then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign, which were illegally obtained by Russia.
In 2019, Stone was arrested, charged, and convicted on seven counts, including lying to investigative officials and witness tampering.
Though Stone was sentenced to 40 months in prison, the sentence was commuted by Trump.
Now considered a hero of the right wing and the far-right militia group Proud Boys, Stone sells personalized videos on Cameo. For $75, the convicted felon will record a birthday wish, a message of congratulations, or a pep talk.
Hours ahead of the debate, digital director for the Biden campaign—Rob Flaherty—revealed the campaign had paid the $75 fee to get Stone—a Trump devotee—to inadvertently wish Biden luck.
Watch below.
Since you can pay Trump advisors to say anything you want them to on the internet, we asked Roger Stone give a pep talk to ol' Joey ahead of tonight's debate. pic.twitter.com/r2spYslgbK
— Rob Flaherty (@Rob_Flaherty) October 22, 2020
Stone says in the bizarre video:
"So I understand, Joey, that there are a lot of people out talking sh*t about you. The only way to combat that of course is to talk sh*t about them. What I like to say is when I wipe my derriere after I defecate, what is left on the TP is more intelligent and has more integrity than, say, Ari Melber of MSNBC. This is a stunning insult and I invite you to use it on anyone who deserves it. Good luck to you, Joey."
People were cackling at the unexpected message.
Nailed it! Again. https://t.co/HqCuDxbdZF
— Arthur Leopold (@Arthur_Leopold) October 23, 2020
Best episode of the MAGA Grifter web series https://t.co/wm9wopQWtT
— Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) October 22, 2020
This is priceless https://t.co/A4w56HyHSU
— Mike Smith (@mikesmith_DC) October 23, 2020
Biden campaign trolling game 💯 https://t.co/7FbwhoovIf
— Melissa Has No Halloween Name Because Election (@melissaanelli) October 22, 2020
This is amazing https://t.co/1sc5iyudkC
— Vineet Barot (@vbarot87) October 22, 2020
The well wishes might've worked. Though Trump is eagerly screenshotting every Twitter poll that says he won Thursday's debate, at least five reliable polls show viewers largely thought Biden won.
#NEW Poll On Who won tonight's debate?@YouGovAmerica:
Biden 54% (+19)
Trump 35%@CNN:
Biden 53% (+14)
Trump 39%@DataProgress:
Biden 52% (+11)
Trump 41%
— Political Polls (@PpollingNumbers) October 23, 2020
People tended to agree.
Trump lost the first debate. Biden won this one.
— Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) October 23, 2020
History says that the winner of a last Presidential debate usually has a very good chance of becoming the next President. Joe Biden won this debate tonight.
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) October 23, 2020
BREAKING: Biden won debate.
FOX: Trump defied expectations by saying several complete phrases.
— Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs) October 23, 2020
The biggest contest, however, is on November 3rd.
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AMC