On Friday, allies of President Joe Biden moved swiftly to manage the fallout from his lackluster debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump, prompting some Democrats to question whether he should remain their candidate for the 2024 U.S. election.
During the debate held on Thursday night, Biden's frequent verbal missteps and occasionally wandering responses raised voter concerns about the 81-year-old president's capacity to handle another four-year term. Democratic Representative Jim McGovern candidly shared his doubts, saying, "I'd be lying to you if I told you I thought it was a great debate." When asked if it was time to consider a new candidate, McGovern said, "I haven't come to any conclusion yet."
Biden, who is the oldest person ever to hold the U.S. presidency, faced minimal opposition in the Democratic primary and has secured enough support to be the party's nominee for the November 5 election. Similarly, former President Trump, aged 78, overcame his intra-party challengers early in the year, setting the stage for a contentious general election.
A Biden donor, speaking anonymously, labeled Biden's debate performance as "disqualifying" and anticipated that some Democrats might push for him to step aside. This would allow the party to select a new nominee at its national convention beginning on August 19. However, Democratic officials downplayed this scenario. Mitch Landrieu, Biden's campaign co-chair, stated on CNN, "It's not likely to happen."
A "Bad Debate" for Biden
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic alternative, dismissed the idea of replacing Biden. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, another potential candidate, urged Democrats to focus on the bigger picture. "Joe Biden had a bad debate, right, but Donald Trump was a bad president," Shapiro remarked.
Interviews with undecided voters reflected poorly on Biden's debate showing, describing it as weak, embarrassing, and difficult to watch. Trump capitalized on Biden's faltering responses, particularly during a discussion on the southern U.S. border, quipping, "I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don't think he knows what he said either."
The Trump campaign released a video on Friday highlighting Biden's errors. One Trump adviser, who requested anonymity, claimed the debate would bolster their efforts in traditionally Democratic states like Virginia and Minnesota. Despite Trump’s own controversies, including a recent conviction for covering up hush money payments and ongoing legal challenges, the post-debate focus remained on Biden.
The debate, held at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, took place unusually early in the election cycle, more than four months before the election. This timing might work in Biden's favor, as his performance could fade from public memory amid new developments.
Trump is set to be sentenced in New York on July 11, shortly before the Republican National Convention, where he will be formally nominated. He also faces three other criminal indictments, although none are expected to go to trial before November.
After the debate, Biden, speaking to reporters at a Waffle House in Atlanta, said he was not worried about his performance, commenting, "It's hard to debate a liar."
Biden planned to rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, a state Democrats aim to reclaim from Republicans, before attending a fundraiser in New York and the opening of a monument dedicated to the 1969 Stonewall riot for LGBT rights. Meanwhile, Trump will hold a rally in Virginia, a state he has lost twice but hopes to win in November.
Trading Insults
During the debate, Trump repeated numerous familiar false claims, including allegations of election fraud in 2020, accusations that Democrats support infanticide, and claims that migrants have caused a surge in violent crime. He defended his supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, refused to commit to accepting this year's election results, and suggested that if re-elected, he might prosecute Biden.
Biden countered by calling Trump a felon and pointing out that most of Trump's former cabinet members have not endorsed his campaign. He described Trump as a "whiner" and a "child" with the "morals of an alley cat," referencing Trump's alleged infidelity. Trump retaliated by calling Biden a "disaster" and a "Manchurian candidate" who favors China over the United States. At one point, the debate devolved into a personal spat over who was the better golfer.
News Source: Reuters
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