MSNBC's Donny Deutsch said that in his "heart of hearts," he didn't see "see anybody" onstage during the first night of the Democratic presidential debates who would beat President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE, prompting stiff pushback from fellow host Lawrence O'Donnell Lawrence O'DonnellMSNBC producer pens scathing exit letter: Ratings model 'blocks diversity of thought and content' MSNBC political analyst Karine Jean-Pierre joins Biden campaign Wallace says Biden gave 'skillful' answer on advice to voters on Reade MORE.

"When you can label somebody a socialist, 57 percent of this country thinks that word is un-American," Deutsch explained during the network's post-debate coverage from Miami. "I'm not saying it's fair. When [Trump] can blanket Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline Democratic senators ask inspector general to investigate IRS use of location tracking service MORE as a socialist and he's onstage with her, the Democrats lose."

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"I think she’s delightful, I think she’s wonderful. I’m a big fan," Deutsch continued, referring to the Massachusetts senator. "I just don’t think she has what it takes to beat this president. The same way, at least, an idealized version of Joe Biden Joe BidenPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Fox News poll: Biden ahead of Trump in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio MORE is. Don’t shoot the messenger. It’s just facts. We’ve got to get Trump out."

"Donny, you’re in a safe space here. You don't have to keep telling us," MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace replied. "Can I just follow up on that, Donny? Who could beat Trump? Did you see anyone onstage tonight that could beat Trump?"

"I'm still sticking with an idealized version of ... the Joe Biden we want," he replied, referring to the former vice president. "The Joe Biden we want and then you pair him with the right candidate, yes. I still in my heart of hearts don't see anybody on that stage tonight that would beat Trump."

O'Donnell disagreed with Deutsch while arguing his analysis was "pure guesswork" and "zero value."

"Let's just identify this for what it is: pure guesswork a year and a half away," O'Donnell said. "And so it has, and Donny I say this respectfully, zero value."

"Don't tell me it has zero value," Deutsch retorted. "It's understanding human behavior. And I guarantee you 90 percent of our audience agrees with me."

"It's a wild guess, there's no science in it, there's nothing in it," O'Donnell continued. "You can put any name you want in the wild guess you just made and it doesn't make it true."

"I'm understanding Donald Trump — the way he's connecting with this country and the strength he exudes," Deutsch insisted. "We need to exude a stronger strength. It's not a policy discussion."

The next Democratic debate featuring Biden, the front-runner, Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Bernie Sanders: 'This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome MORE (I-Vt.), South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBillionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November Buttigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice MORE and Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisHundreds of lawyers from nation's oldest African American sorority join effort to fight voter suppression Biden picks up endorsement from progressive climate group 350 Action 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE (D-Calif.), along with six other hopefuls for the party nomination, is Thursday night from Miami at 9 p.m.