Let's face it, if Trump really bombed, then we are probably all screwed.
I am inclined to believe Trump was playing a role. Like another user posited: Strategic Analysis of Trump's Debate Performance Through The Art of War.
I have always been adamant, to tell MAGA voters here not to be complacent, and go voting. Perhaps Trump was aware of polls/models being overtly pro-Trump lately, and the danger of voters taking his victory for granted and staying home? Perhaps his "Art of War" performance, was to get his own voters out of the comfortable sofa, and really go vote, like their life depended on it?
Well, just some afternoon ramblings from my side...
Correct me if I am wrong, but the conservative side is notorious for a low turnout. Trump even said, if Christians would vote he would win. I am paraphrasing the part about the Christians, but that was when the media said "Trump says he would fix the elections".