In a debate that was expected to showcase President Joe Biden's strengths against former President Donald Trump, the night instead underscored Democrats' growing anxieties about Biden's candidacy. The event, intended to present Biden as a formidable opponent, left many of his supporters worried about his capacity to lead a rigorous campaign.
From the outset, Biden appeared to struggle. His voice, described by aides as hoarse due to a cold, lacked the vigor expected for such a critical moment. He frequently stumbled over his words, leading to awkward pauses and moments where he seemed off-topic. One notable instance saw Biden mistakenly say, "We finally beat Medicare," before being cut off by moderators.
"This is an honest-to-God nightmare," a Biden ally remarked. "I can't believe what I'm watching. I am watching us lose this election in slow motion." Such sentiments were echoed across the Democratic base, with another strategist calling the performance "political suicide."
Throughout the debate, Trump's attacks were relentless. He accused Biden of being the worst president in American history, a claim Biden seemed unprepared to counter effectively. Trump's onslaught included accusations about abortion policies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economy, often laced with misinformation that moderators failed to fact-check in real-time.
"There are no two ways about it. That was not a good debate for Joe Biden," commented Kate Bedingfield, Biden's former communications aide, on CNN. David Axelrod, a senior adviser during Biden's tenure, added, "It's the one night that confirmed people's fears."
As the debate progressed, Biden's attempts to retaliate fell flat. His efforts to label Trump as a "convicted felon" or to criticize Trump's response to the January 6 insurrection seemed ineffective. At times, Biden's rebuttals were lost amidst Trump's interruptions and the president's own meandering responses.
The immediate aftermath saw Democrats scrambling. Some suggested that Biden consider withdrawing from the race, fearing that his performance could jeopardize their chances in the upcoming election. "This was a disaster. Biden's team needs to convince him to withdraw and have an open convention," one House Democratic member from a swing state stated.
The debate did little to shift public perception in Biden's favor. Despite occasional sharp retorts, like calling Trump a "sore loser" over the 2020 election, Biden's overall performance left much to be desired. "Only one of us is a convicted felon, and I'm looking at him," Biden quipped, a line that resonated well according to internal polling. However, these moments were few and far between.
Frustration also mounted against the debate moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, for their failure to hold Trump accountable for his numerous falsehoods. This lapse allowed Trump to dominate the narrative, leaving Biden to react defensively rather than setting the agenda.
In the days following the debate, Biden's campaign tried to regain momentum. Campaign spokesman Seth Schuster insisted, "Of course he's not dropping out." Biden continued his schedule, attending a campaign event in North Carolina and multiple fundraisers over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Trump's performance, although rambling and filled with inaccuracies, seemed to energize his base. He capitalized on Biden's faltering delivery, presenting himself as more dynamic and in control, a contrast that was not lost on viewers.
For months, Trump's campaign has been focusing on Biden's age and mental acuity, a strategy that appeared to pay off during the debate. Despite Biden's low expectations, his performance reinforced concerns about his ability to endure the rigors of a presidential campaign.
The 90-minute debate touched on critical issues such as immigration and inflation. Trump attacked Biden's border policies, labeling the border as "the most dangerous place anywhere in the world," while Biden struggled to highlight his administration's achievements in creating jobs and managing the economy.
Biden's attempts to address the January 6 insurrection were met with deflection by Trump, who accused the current administration of unjustly prosecuting those involved. This exchange highlighted the deep divisions and the high stakes of the upcoming election.
