President Joe Biden recently addressed his widely criticized performance in the June 27 debate with Donald Trump, attributing it to a “bad episode” rather than any underlying health concerns. In his first post-debate interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, Biden sought to reassure the public amidst speculation about his ability to campaign effectively.
Responding to concerns raised by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi about his performance, Biden clarified, “It was a bad episode ― no indication of any serious condition.” He attributed his struggles during the debate to exhaustion stemming from a severe cold, despite having spent six days preparing rigorously at Camp David.
“I was sick. I was feeling terrible,” Biden explained, noting that he had tested negative for COVID-19 after consulting with his medical team. He admitted to not having watched the debate replay but acknowledged being aware of his performance during the event.
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Reflecting on the preparation process, Biden acknowledged personal responsibility for the outcome, stating, “I prepared what I usually would do,” emphasizing his usual approach to handling discussions with foreign leaders and the National Security Council.
Regarding the debate itself, Biden referenced a recent New York Times poll showing a decrease in his favorability compared to Trump among both likely and registered voters following the debate. Despite this, he pointed out Trump’s alleged inaccuracies during the debate, suggesting the contentious nature of the event contributed to his challenges.
In conclusion, Biden summarized, “Well, I just had a bad night,” accepting responsibility for his performance while attributing it to temporary factors rather than a broader issue affecting his capacity to govern effectively.
This interview marks Biden’s effort to address criticisms directly, aiming to reassure voters about his health and capability moving forward in the presidential campaign.
