President Joe Biden’s Thursday debate performance has triggered alarm among top Democrats, raising serious concerns about his ability to lead the party in the upcoming election.
The debate, held at CNN’s Atlanta studios, showcased a contrast between Biden and former President Donald Trump, highlighting critical policy differences but also exposing vulnerabilities that have left many Democrats questioning Biden’s candidacy.
Biden’s Poor Performance Worry Democrats
Biden’s debate performance has set off alarm bells among top Democrats, leaving some to openly question whether he can remain at the top of the Democratic ticket, according to CNN.
“He seemed a little disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on. But by that time, I think the panic had set in,” said longtime Democratic operative and CNN senior political commentator David Axelrod.
Axelrod echoed a sentiment that many Democrats were discussing Thursday night: “There are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.”
Despite a rocky start, observers pointed to Biden’s rebuke of Trump regarding the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol as a moment where the president regained his footing. They also noted Biden’s comments on climate change and his rebuttal of Trump’s derogatory remarks about veterans as high points.
Vice President Kamala Harris conceded that the president got off to a “slow start.”
“What we saw tonight is the president making a very clear contrast with Donald Trump on all the issues that matter to the American people.
Yes, there was a slow start, but it was a strong finish. And what became very clear through the course of the night is that Joe Biden is fighting on behalf of the American people – on substance, on policy, on performance,” Harris said in an interview with CNN.
Concerns Over Biden’s Age and Health
Biden’s age has been a persistent question since his decision to make a third run at the White House in 2019. At 81, he is the oldest president in history and would be 86 at the end of a potential second term.
Thursday’s debate offered a critical test for Biden to display vigour and energy, but Democratic sources reacting to the debate described emotions ranging from concern to outright panic about his biggest vulnerability.
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From the start, the president appeared to struggle with his voice, clearing his throat or coughing multiple times – a condition his doctor has previously attributed to acid reflux. Biden has also been battling a cold, multiple sources told CNN.
Throughout the debate, Biden often defaulted to an open-mouthed, staring look while Trump was speaking, occasionally struggling to finish his thoughts or land punches on issues like abortion, where Democrats typically have an edge.
Despite these concerns, Biden brushed off criticism of his debate performance, telling reporters that he thought he performed well while visiting patrons at a Waffle House after the debate.
“I think we did well,” Biden said. When asked about calls for him to drop out and whether he had any concerns about his debate performance, Biden attacked former President Donald Trump, saying, “No, it’s hard to debate a liar,” and noting that he had a sore throat.
Democratic Panic and Potential Alternatives
Thursday’s debate took place before both Biden and Trump are formally nominated at their respective party conventions.
The Democratic National Convention convenes on August 19 in Chicago. With no serious Democratic challengers stepping up to run against Biden, the decision to step aside would rest solely with him if Democrats were to pick another nominee. If Biden did withdraw, the Democratic nomination would be decided on the floor.
“It’s hard to argue that Biden should be our nominee,” said an operative who has worked on campaigns at all levels for over a decade.
Some Democrats were even speculating about potential alternatives. “If I was Gavin [Newsom] or Gretchen [Whitmer], I’d be making calls tonight,” one said.
After the debate, Newsom dismissed calls for Biden to be removed from the Democratic ticket. “I will never turn my back on President Biden. Never turn my back on President Biden. I don’t know a Democrat in my party that would do so,” he said when asked about rumblings of Democrats possibly open to replacing Biden as the party’s nominee.
However, the sentiment of concern was palpable among other Democrats.
“Disaster,” one lawmaker told CNN. “Trump is coming off as reasonable even if he’s lying 60 miles per hour. Biden is unintelligible.” Another Democrat who has worked on campaigns up and down the ballot stated simply: “We are f**ked.”
Former Biden White House communications director and 2020 deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield, now a CNN political commentator, described the debate as an “atypically bad performance” for Biden.
“His biggest issue that he had to prove to the American people was that he had the energy and the stamina. And he didn’t do that,” Bedingfield said, though she characterised the performance as one bad night with a lot of campaigning left to go.
If Joe Biden loses November’s election, history might record that it took just 10 minutes to destroy a presidency.
Style and Substance: Differing Reactions
Other Democrats offered reactions on the style of Biden’s delivery. “Biden looks and sounds terrible. He’s incoherent,” said one Democrat who spent time working in the Biden administration. “Horrific,” said another Democratic operative.
Democratic lawmakers watching the debate expressed alarm that the president was not more forceful against Trump’s mistruths, nor clear enough about his own vision and accomplishments.
One Democratic congressman at a watch party on Capitol Hill described a moment near the beginning of the debate when Biden was talking about the national debt and appeared to lose his train of thought, pausing for several seconds before offering a confusing answer. The room went silent in shock – and the lawmaker’s own initial reaction was that he wanted to jump off a bridge.
Another senior Democrat said, “He and Jill need to hear what folks are saying” after the debate, “rather than deny them.”
Democrats were especially worried that Trump came across as more measured than usual while Biden was not “punching back” on Trump’s lies.
“I think Joe is doing better than he did in the first 15 minutes, and Trump is just lying his way through the debate. But I wish Joe was a lot stronger punching back,” one lawmaker said midway through the debate.
Immediate Public Reaction and Future Implications
The immediate public reaction to the debate was mixed. A CNN flash poll indicated that a slight majority of viewers believed Trump won the debate, citing his aggressive stance and clear messaging on key issues.
However, Biden’s supporters argued that he presented a more presidential and steady image, focusing on substantive issues and detailed policy plans.
Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions from both sides, with hashtags like #BidenWins and #Trump2024 trending throughout the night. Analysts noted that while Trump’s performance may have energised his base, Biden’s focus on empathy and unity could appeal to undecided voters. The debate highlighted the stark contrasts between the two candidates, offering voters clear choices on the direction of the country.
It is too early to say how voters will respond and whether the president can rescue himself. But Biden barely beat Trump in key battleground states in the middle of a pandemic in 2020. His approval rating was below 40 per cent before the debate, and he was at best neck-and-neck with his rival in the polls. It would only take a few thousand voters to desert him to put Trump back in the White House.
There has been no public sign that Biden is unable to fulfill the duties of the presidency, which include tough decisions on national security. He has just returned from two gruelling foreign trips, for instance. But on Thursday’s evidence, his ability to communicate with the country – and even to sell his own vision for a second term – is severely compromised.
Biden’s ability to communicate effectively and present a strong vision for the future remains a critical concern for his campaign.
Ultimately, the debate may serve as a turning point in the election, with both candidates needing to address their weaknesses and rally their respective bases. The outcome of the election will hinge on their ability to connect with voters and present a compelling case for their leadership.
The Debate
Moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, the debate tackled a wide range of issues, from inflation and foreign policy to democracy and healthcare.
The 90-minute event was filled with sharp exchanges, policy discussions, and personal attacks, offering a clear contrast between the two frontrunners in a tight presidential race.
Key Issues and Highlights
Inflation and Economic Policies
Biden: President Biden opened the debate by addressing his administration’s efforts to combat inflation and stabilise the economy. He highlighted recent stimulus packages aimed at supporting struggling families and small businesses, pointing to declining inflation rates as evidence of his administration’s success.
Biden blamed Trump for the current inflation, saying, “What we had to do was try to put things back together again.”
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He emphasised investments in renewable energy and infrastructure to create jobs and promote long-term economic growth.
“We’re going to continue to fight to bring down inflation and give people a break,” Biden said during his closing statement.
Trump: Former President Trump criticised Biden’s economic policies, blaming them for the current high inflation and economic instability.
Trump celebrated his economic accomplishments, particularly his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, although economic research indicates that the 2017 tax cuts he signed prompted some economic growth but nowhere near what he had promised.
Trump promised a return to his economic strategies, focusing on significant tax cuts and deregulation to spur growth. He argued that his approach had led to unprecedented prosperity and job creation during his presidency.
Immigration
Biden: On immigration, Biden defended his policies aimed at reversing many Trump-era restrictions. He emphasised humane treatment of immigrants and efforts to provide pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Biden also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of migration through aid and development programmes in Central America.
Trump: Trump attacked Biden’s immigration policies, claiming they have led to an increase in illegal immigration and border insecurity. He reiterated his commitment to building a border wall and implementing stricter immigration laws to secure the border and reduce illegal immigration.
National Deficit
Biden: President Biden acknowledged the rising national deficit but attributed it to necessary spending during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts. He outlined plans to reduce the deficit through targeted tax reforms on the wealthy and large corporations, arguing that these measures are crucial for long-term economic health and stability.
Trump: Trump criticised Biden’s spending as reckless and unsustainable, pledging to slash government spending and reduce the national debt. He argued that his business experience would help streamline federal expenditures and promote fiscal responsibility.
Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Russia-Ukraine War: The candidates had a heated exchange over foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia. The Russian military launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, about two years into Biden’s tenure as president.
Biden reaffirmed his administration’s support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and stressed the importance of international alliances and NATO. He criticised Trump’s friendly stance towards Putin, emphasising the need for a united front against Russian expansionism.
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Trump doubled down on his claims that the war would have never started if he had been president and criticised how much aid the United States had given to Kyiv.
Biden warned that Trump would pull the United States out of NATO and risk an expanding war, adding, “The fact is that Putin is a war criminal.”
Israel-Hamas War: Biden and Trump also clashed on foreign policy questions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war.
The conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, has led to significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Trump criticised Biden’s handling of the war, accusing him of being overly sympathetic to Palestinians and criticising Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s response.
Biden defended his administration’s support for Israel and outlined his proposal for a ceasefire, blaming Hamas for the ongoing violence.
Trump dismissed Biden’s approach, stating, “Israel is the one. And you should let them go and let them go finish the job,” to which Biden responded, “I’ve never heard so much foolishness.”
Crime and Public Safety
Biden: Biden discussed his administration’s efforts to reform policing and address systemic racism. He emphasised community-based solutions and increased funding for mental health services to reduce crime rates. Biden also highlighted legislative efforts aimed at gun control to combat gun violence and improve public safety.
Trump: Trump painted a picture of rising crime rates under Biden’s leadership, advocating for a return to “law and order” policies. He called for increased funding for police departments, tougher sentencing for criminals, and a more aggressive approach to tackling crime. Trump argued that his administration’s policies had previously led to lower crime rates and greater public safety.
Healthcare
Biden: Healthcare was a major topic, with Biden defending the Affordable Care Act and highlighting efforts to expand coverage and make healthcare more affordable. He discussed plans to lower prescription drug prices and improve mental health services, emphasising his administration’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare reform.
Trump: Trump criticised the Affordable Care Act, promising to replace it with a system that provides more choice and reduces costs. He argued that increased competition in the healthcare market would drive down prices and improve quality, presenting this as a more effective approach than the current system.
Social Security and Medicare
Biden: Biden assured voters of his commitment to protecting and expanding Social Security and Medicare, arguing that these programmes are essential for seniors’ well-being. He proposed higher taxes on the wealthy to ensure the sustainability of these programmes and prevent cuts to benefits.
Trump: Trump accused Biden of planning to raise taxes on all Americans, which he claimed would stifle economic growth. He promised to protect Social Security and Medicare without raising taxes, suggesting that economic growth would provide the necessary funding to sustain these programmes.
Tax Rates and Unemployment
Biden: President Biden defended his administration’s tax policies, including higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to fund social programmes and infrastructure projects. He pointed to the falling unemployment rates as evidence of economic recovery, arguing that these policies are necessary to ensure a fair and equitable economy.
Trump: Trump argued that Biden’s tax policies are detrimental to economic growth and job creation. He proposed cutting taxes to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment further. Trump claimed that his administration’s tax cuts had led to significant job creation and economic prosperity, promising to continue this approach if re-elected.
Abortion and the Supreme Court
Biden: The debate also addressed the divisive issue of abortion. Biden reaffirmed his support for Roe v. Wade and women’s right to choose, promising to protect reproductive rights against recent legislative attacks. He criticised the conservative shift in the Supreme Court and its recent decisions restricting abortion access, arguing that women should have autonomy over their own bodies.
“If I’m elected, I’m going to restore Roe v. Wade,” Biden said. He also opposed late-term abortion.
Trump: Trump took a pro-life stance, celebrating the conservative appointments to the Supreme Court and their role in limiting abortion access. He argued that the Supreme Court’s decisions reflect the values of many Americans and promised to continue appointing conservative judges to uphold traditional values.
Trump said he would not block access to abortion pills and would not oppose abortion in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk.
Voter Registration and Election Integrity
Biden: Voter registration and election integrity were key topics, with Biden advocating for measures to increase voter turnout and make voting more accessible. He condemned recent efforts to restrict voting rights, such as strict voter ID laws and reduced voting hours, arguing that these measures disproportionately affect minority communities.
Biden emphasised the importance of protecting democracy and ensuring that every American’s voice is heard.
“The only man on the stage who is a convicted felon is the man I’m looking at,” Biden said at one point during the debate, referring to Trump. “You have the morals of an alley cat,” Biden said at a later point.
Trump: Trump raised concerns about voter fraud and the integrity of mail-in ballots, suggesting stricter ID laws and other measures to secure elections. He repeated unproven claims about widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election and argued that election integrity is paramount to ensuring fair outcomes.
Trump sought to play down the severity of the 2021 attack on the Capitol and argued that he had offered in advance to provide National Guard troops to defend the building.
When pressed by moderator Dana Bash, Trump said he will accept the 2024 election result if it is conducted fairly, though he has previously insisted this year that Democrats will cheat in the election.
Wages and Education
Biden: On wages, Biden discussed his plans to raise the minimum wage to a living wage, arguing that this is essential for reducing poverty and inequality.
He highlighted his administration’s efforts to invest in education, including increased funding for public schools, free community colleges, and student debt relief. Biden emphasised the importance of investing in education to prepare the workforce for the future and ensure that every American has access to quality education.
Trump: Trump argued that wage increases should be determined by the market and that raising the minimum wage could lead to job losses.
He advocated for school choice, including vouchers for private and charter schools, suggesting that competition would improve education quality. Trump criticised what he called “liberal indoctrination” in schools and promised to promote vocational training and apprenticeships as alternatives to traditional education models.
Key Moments and Visuals
Skipping a Handshake: The debate began with an unusual moment as both candidates forwent the traditional handshake. Biden entered the stage first, waving and greeting the audience with, “Hi folks, how are ya?” Trump followed with a stern expression, heading straight to his podium without acknowledging Biden. This set the tone for a contentious and confrontational debate.
Biden Freezing During Healthcare Discussion: At one point, Biden appeared to freeze while discussing healthcare, stumbling over his words. “Making sure that we’re able to make every single solitary person eligible for what I’ve been able to do with the COVID, excuse me, dealing with everything we have to do with, look, if we finally beat Medicare.”
Trump seized the moment, quipping, “He beat it to death. He will wipe out Medicare, so he was right in the way he finished that sentence.”
Veterans Insults: One of the most heated exchanges occurred when Biden brought up reports that Trump had described U.S. veterans as “suckers” and “losers.” Biden passionately defended his son Beau Biden’s military service, stating, “My son was not a loser. He’s not a sucker. You’re the sucker. You’re the loser.”
Trump denied making such comments and demanded an apology, to which Biden retorted, “Not a chance.”
Jan. 6 Accountability: The candidates clashed over the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump attempted to shift blame to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and implied that those who stormed the Capitol were innocent, criticising Biden for their imprisonment.
Biden condemned Trump’s actions and rhetoric on that day, asserting that those involved should be held accountable. “If they’re convicted, he says he wants to commute their sentences. These people should be in jail,” Biden stated.
Sparring Over Convictions: The debate also delved into Trump’s recent criminal conviction in his hush money case. Biden pointed out, “The only person on this stage who is a convicted felon is the man I’m looking at right now.” Trump responded by attacking Hunter Biden’s legal issues and reiterating claims that his own criminal cases are politically motivated.
Golf Match Tangent: A discussion about the candidates’ health and cognitive abilities veered into a lighthearted exchange about golf. Trump boasted about winning two club championships, claiming it demonstrated his physical and mental fitness. Biden challenged Trump to a driving contest, noting his own golf skills. The banter ended with Trump remarking, “Let’s not act like children.”
The first debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested election. Both candidates presented starkly different visions for the future of the United States, underscoring significant policy divides on key issues.
As the election campaign progresses, voters will weigh these debates heavily in their decision-making process, making every word and gesture crucial in the battle for the presidency.
The debate in Atlanta was a microcosm of the broader national conversation, reflecting deep divisions and the high stakes of the upcoming election. As both candidates prepare for the next debate, they will undoubtedly refine their strategies and messages to sway the electorate in their favour.
