President Joe Biden’s debate performance is causing concern among top Democrats, with questions emerging about his ability to remain the Democratic nominee. Longtime Democratic operative David Axelrod noted, “There are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.” Despite a slow start, campaign and party officials highlighted moments where Biden seemed more confident, such as his response to the US Capitol attack and comments on climate change. Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Biden’s slow start but emphasized his strong finish and commitment to American people.
Throughout the debate, observers noticed Biden struggling with his voice and occasionally losing his train of thought, fueling concerns about his age and energy levels. Despite these issues, Biden brushed off criticism of his performance, stating, “I think we did well.” However, Democratic operatives expressed worry that Biden appeared weaker than former President Donald Trump during the debate.
Following the event, there were discussions among Democrats about the possibility of replacing Biden as the nominee, with some considering other potential candidates like Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer. While some highlighted Biden’s lackluster performance, others stressed that there is still time for improvement before the election. Overall, Democrats were divided on Biden’s debate performance, with concerns raised about his ability to effectively challenge Trump’s falsehoods.
