The performance of President Joe Biden in Thursday’s (27) debate raised alarms among top Democrats, leaving some openly questioning whether Biden will be able to remain at the top of the Democratic ticket until the elections.
“He seemed a bit disoriented. He got stronger as the debate went on. But at that point, I think the panic had already set in,” said David Axelrod, a former Democratic operative and senior political commentator for CNN.
After a difficult start to the evening, campaign and party officials pointed to Biden’s rebuke of former President Donald Trump regarding the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol as a moment when the president found his rhythm. They also highlighted Biden’s comments on climate change and the discussion about Trump’s derogatory terms for veterans as high points and argued that the president improved as the night went on. Vice President Kamala Harris admitted that the president had a “slow start.”
“It was a slow start. That’s obvious to everyone. I’m not going to debate that point,” Harris said.
Biden has been responding to persistent questions about his age since he decided to run for the White House for a third time in 2019. At 81, he is the oldest president in history and will turn 86 at the end of a potential second term. Thursday’s presidential debate on CNN constituted a crucial test for the president to demonstrate vigor and energy – and Democratic sources reacting to the debate described emotions ranging from concern to total panic about Biden’s greatest vulnerability.
From the start of the debate, the president seemed to have difficulties with his voice. Biden cleared his throat or coughed several times, a condition his doctor previously stated was caused by acid reflux. He has also been battling a cold in recent days, several sources told CNN.
Biden dismissed concerns about his debate performance, telling reporters that he thought he did well visiting customers at a Waffle House after the debate.
“I think we did well,” Biden said.
When asked about calls for him to step aside and whether he had any concerns about his debate performance, Biden attacked former President Donald Trump.
“No, it’s hard to debate with a liar,” Biden said, adding that he has a sore throat.
The debate on Thursday took place before Biden and Trump are formally nominated at their respective party conventions. The Democratic National Convention meets on August 19 in Chicago.
No serious Democratic challenger has emerged to run against Biden, and at this point in the campaign, Biden would have to decide to step aside if Democrats chose another candidate. If Biden withdrew, the Democratic nomination would be decided in a plenary session.
Source: CNN