Updated

Howard Kurtz told viewers Friday on “Special Report with Bret Baier” that when it comes to Donald Trump’s continued clashes with former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, “he can’t seem to let go of it.”

“I cannot figure out what Donald Trump gains especially among women by continuing to attack Alicia Machado,” Kurtz said.

In a series of tweets posted before dawn Friday, Trump slammed Machado and told his followers not to believe any anonymously sourced reports about his campaign. A short time later, Trump tweeted that rival Hillary Clinton’s acceptance of Machado’s support was a sign of “bad judgement” and alleged that Machado has a sex tape.

Clinton responded by calling the tirade “unhinged, even for Trump.”

Kurtz said Trump’s tactic is nothing new, adding, “this is part of his familiar pattern of refusing to walk away from fights even with obscure figure even when the fight does not benefit him.”