Despite harsh reviews, Trump resists new debate approach

The Road to the White House

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Unmoved by harsh debate reviews, a defiant Donald Trump showed no sign Wednesday of making any big changes before his second faceoff with Hillary Clinton, pressing ahead with a strategy focused on speaking directly to his white workingclass loyalists across the Midwest.

Ms. Clinton, a Democrat, meanwhile, pushed to improve her standing among younger voters with the help of the president, Sen. Bernie Sanders and other key allies, 48 hours after her debate performance that seemed to spark badly needed enthusiasm.

Those closest to Mr. Trump insisted the Republican presidential nominee was satisfied with Monday night’s debate, even as prominent voices within his own party called for more serious preparation next time following an opening confrontation marked by missed opportunities and missteps.

“Why would we change if we won the debate?” former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a key Trump ally and traveling partner this week, told The Associated Press. “Donald Trump is going to prepare for debates the way Donald Trump prepares for debates.”

The next debate is 11 days away.

Unlike Ms. Clinton, Mr. Trump is not planning to participate in any mock debates, although he is likely to incorporate what one person described as “tweaks” to his strategy.

Specifically, Mr. Trump is likely to spend more time working on specific answers and sharpen his attacks after spending much of the first meeting on defense, said that person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal campaign strategy.

That may not be enough to satisfy concerned Republicans.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Mr. Trump should have been better prepared and he recommended that the candidate work harder with skilled coaches. He said, “What you need is people who are professional debaters.”

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said simply: “The only advice I could give him, and take it for what it’s worth: Prepare better.”

In other campaign developments:

• Ms. Clinton has gained another endorsement from a prominent Republican: retired Sen. John Warner of Virginia. Appearing Wednesday with a fellow Virginian, Ms. Clinton’s running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine, Mr. Warner praised Ms. Clinton’s preparation and experience.

• While Mr. Trump won’t publicly release his income tax returns, the New York businessman has turned them over when it suited his needs — if he stood to make a profit, needed a loan or when a judge forced him.

Pennsylvania gaming regulators were given at least five years’ worth and eight boxes full of Mr. Trump’s tax documents. Nevada, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana and other state gaming officials also had access to multiple years of his returns. Large banks that lent Mr. Trump money over the years have also obtained Mr. Trump’s returns.

One common thread ties all those who have seen the documents: They can’t talk about them.