Heated and pivotal TV debate on Thursday night, U.S. President Joe Biden faced substantial criticism and calls to step down as the Democratic nominee. According to LBC News on Friday, June 28, 2024, Biden, 81, and his Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump, 78, clashed over various issues. However, Biden’s frequent lapses and incoherent moments drew the most attention and concern.
Several Democratic colleagues expressed deep alarm following Biden’s performance, where he seemed to forget his points multiple times and spoke incoherently. One insider likened it to “a champion boxer who gets in the ring past his prime and needs his corner to throw in the towel,” suggesting it might be time for Biden to step aside.
David Plouffe, a seasoned Democratic strategist, labeled the debate a “Defcon 1 moment.” He told CNBC, “They’re three years apart. They seemed about 30 years apart tonight. And I think that’s going to be the thing that voters really wrestle with coming out of this.”
David Axelrod, another prominent Democrat and former advisor to President Barack Obama, described a “sense of shock” over Biden’s performance on CNN. “How his voice sounded. He seemed a little disoriented. There are going to be discussions about whether he should continue,” Axelrod said.
Replacing Biden as the nominee would be a significant challenge with the Democratic National Convention set to begin on August 19. Despite private concerns, key Democratic figures have publicly supported Biden. California Governor Gavin Newsom, seen by some as a potential alternative, stated that the party “could not be more wholly unified behind Biden.”
The debate also highlighted concerns about the ages of both candidates. Biden’s recent public appearances had already sparked worries, and his debate performance exacerbated these fears. In contrast, Trump, known for his frequent interruptions in past debates, was notably restrained, allowing him to present his points more clearly.
Biden’s most troubling moments included losing his train of thought while discussing Medicare and tax policies. Trump seized the opportunity to question Biden’s mental fitness, saying, “I don’t think he knows what he said at the end of that sentence, I really don’t think he knows what he said either.”
Addressing concerns about his age and mental fitness directly, Biden said, “First of all, I spent half my career being criticized for being the youngest person in politics,” before deflecting criticism towards Trump. Biden also defended his administration’s record, claiming he improved a “horrible” situation inherited from Trump. Trump, when asked about his own age and mental fitness, confidently referenced his cognitive test results, asserting that he “aced” them.
The debate also covered foreign policy, with significant focus on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Trump repeatedly shifted the discussion back to foreign policy, criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of these wars. Trump vowed to resolve the war in Ukraine before taking office, though he disapproved of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s terms for ending the conflict. Regarding Gaza, Trump accused Biden of adopting a pro-Palestinian stance, albeit a weak one, and reiterated strong U.S. support for Israel.
On domestic issues, the economy and abortion were key topics. Biden defended his economic record, attributing current challenges to the “chaotic” situation inherited from Trump. Trump countered, claiming his administration created the “greatest economy in the history of our country.” Biden promised to restore Roe v. Wade if re-elected, while Trump said he would not obstruct access to abortion medication, aligning himself with the Supreme Court’s decisions on the matter.
Another significant topic was the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Biden accused Trump of inciting the rioters and failing to act for hours during the violence. Trump defended his actions, shifting blame to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, alleging they rejected his offer to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops.
Despite controversies and criticisms, the debate underscored the intense scrutiny both candidates face due to their ages and their ability to handle the presidency’s demands. As the election approaches, these issues are likely to remain prominent in voters’ minds.
