off-balance

That is, as we witnessed, not quite the same thing but more than enough to throw Vance slightly off-balance, especially since neither O’Donnell nor Brennan announced they’d be wielding this workaround during the debate.

He has a history of thriving in the spotlight and setting the terms of political conversation that keeps his opponents off-balance and his issues – notably on immigration and trade, where his positions have broad popular support – at the forefront of political discussion.

But over the last five weeks, as Kamala Harris launched her late-starting presidential campaign, Trump has been the one who appeared off-balance, seemingly unprepared to run against anyone younger than President Biden.

The dramatic twists and turns of this year’s presidential race have left America’s media, political class, and many ordinary citizens completely off-balance.

Gilbert said afterward he was off-balance on the throw.