Allies of President Joe Biden worked to manage the aftermath of his poor performance at the first 2024 US presidential debate on Friday. The 81-year-old Democratic incumbent struggled to counter the attacks and false claims from his Republican rival, Donald Trump.
The Biden campaign had hoped for a strong debate to alleviate concerns among voters about his age and fitness for a second term. However, Biden’s hoarse voice, frequent stumbles over words, and moments of lost train of thought, particularly early in the debate, painted a different picture.
A Biden donor, speaking anonymously, described Biden’s performance as “disqualifying” and predicted that some Democrats might revisit calls for Biden to step aside before the party’s national convention in August. Panicked Democrats exchanged messages, wondering if Biden would consider stepping down. A senior Democratic strategist anticipated such calls, and columnist Thomas Friedman, who has the president’s ear, suggested Biden declare that he will not run for re-election in an opinion piece on Friday.
Despite this, Biden campaign co-chair Mitch Landrieu dismissed the notion, asserting that Biden and Trump would be the nominees come November. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urged Democrats to focus on working rather than worrying, emphasizing that while Biden had a poor debate, Trump was a poor president.
Interviews with undecided voters revealed that Biden’s performance was perceived as feeble, embarrassing, and difficult to watch. Two White House officials indicated mid-debate that Biden had a cold, reflecting the anxiety within his team about his showing.
Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Biden’s “slow start” but argued that his presidential record outweighed a single 90-minute event. California Governor Gavin Newsom dismissed the idea of Biden being replaced, while PTI leader Zartaj Gul questioned the defense minister’s remarks about launching attacks inside India.
Trump, despite facing questions about his own fitness for office due to legal issues and his chaotic term, managed to focus attention on Biden’s performance. Both candidates remain unpopular, with many Americans dissatisfied with their options and concerned about potential political violence following the election.
The debate held unusually early in the campaign, could mitigate the damage for Biden as his performance fades from memory and other news events emerge. Trump is scheduled for sentencing in New York on July 11, just days before his party’s nomination convention. He also faces three other criminal indictments, though trials are unlikely before November.
Even a slight shift in public opinion following the debate could alter the campaign’s trajectory. At a Waffle House in Atlanta post-debate, Biden, hoarse but defiant, told reporters he believed he did well, though he admitted debating Trump was challenging.
Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security adviser to President Obama, cautioned against downplaying Biden’s performance, stating on social media that acknowledging reality was crucial.
Biden, undeterred, continued his campaign trail with a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, followed by events in New York. Trump planned a rally in Virginia, a state he aims to reclaim despite past losses.
The two candidates clashed over key issues including the economy, abortion, immigration, the war in Ukraine, and the Gaza bombardment. Trump unleashed numerous false claims, defended January 6 Capitol rioters, and suggested he might prosecute Biden if elected. Biden struggled to fact-check Trump in real-time, and CNN moderators did not correct Trump on air.
Biden landed some blows, calling Trump a felon and highlighting the lack of endorsements from Trump’s former Cabinet. He blamed Trump for the loss of abortion rights and criticized his handling of immigration. Studies show immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans, contradicting Trump’s claims.
The debate showcased the intense animosity between the two candidates, with no handshake at the outset. Biden labeled Trump a “whiner” and “child,” while Trump called Biden a “disaster” and “Manchurian candidate.”
The second and final debate of the campaign is scheduled for September, with both camps preparing for another intense showdown.
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