President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign hit a snag after a disappointing debate performance that left supporters worried and Donald Trump’s allies jubilant.
Jerrymusa.com reports that Democrats had hoped Biden would forcefully address concerns about his age and criticize Trump’s criminal record and threat to democracy.
Instead, Biden struggled, appearing hoarse, stumbling over words, and seeming confused. “There are no two ways about it – that was not a good debate for Joe Biden,” said Kate Bedingfield, a Democratic former White House communications chief.
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David Axelrod, a senior advisor in Barack Obama’s administration, added that Biden’s performance had “confirmed people’s fears” about an 81-year-old being too old for the Oval Office.
Despite attempts to downplay the debate, Biden’s struggles have sparked talk among Democrats about potentially replacing him as the nominee.
“There’s been a lot of chatter in our circles about Newsom,” said one party strategist, referring to California governor Gavin Newsom. However, Newsom quickly shut down suggestions that he could take Biden’s place.
Trump’s campaign, on the other hand, is reveling in Biden’s misfortune. “Biden called for this debate a few months ago. He pushed for this debate. I think he just sunk his presidency,” said Keith Nahigian, a Republican veteran of six campaigns.
Ralph Reed, chairman of the conservative Faith and Freedom Coalition, compared the debate to a prize fight “that should have been stopped in the early rounds.”