In a clash that resembled more of a senior citizen spat than a presidential debate, President Joe Biden, 81, and former President Donald Trump, 78, faced off for the first official debate of the 2024 election cycle. Biden’s performance, however, left viewers questioning whether he had wandered off the set of a reality TV show.
Biden’s health has been a recurring theme during his presidency, with concerns about his ability to handle another term. Thursday night reignited these worries as he stumbled through sentences, spoke with a voice resembling a rusty hinge, and occasionally seemed to freeze on stage. Even Vice President Kamala Harris had to acknowledge his “slow start,” though she assured everyone there was a “strong finish.” Strong finish or not, Biden’s performance was as shaky as a poorly assembled IKEA shelf.
Political commentator David Richards described Biden as “tepid, often confused and halting,” contrasting him with Trump, who, despite his own set of eccentricities, seemed “much more with it.” CNN’s Van Jones couldn’t help but get emotional, questioning whether Biden was fit for the job given his current state.
Biden’s approval ratings were already languishing at 36%, the lowest in two years, and Thursday’s performance did little to help. Social media buzzed with voters expressing their disappointment. One viral clip showed Biden losing his train of thought mid-sentence, a moment that X-user Matt Walsh declared as “the only moment in the debate that really matters.”
Trump, never one to miss an opportunity, claimed Biden was high on stimulants and even called for pre-debate drug tests. Meanwhile, Biden seemed to rally slightly in the second half, managing to land a few blows of his own. He quipped about Trump’s health, challenging him to a golf match, and called Trump “a lot less competent.” Biden even jabbed at Trump’s legal troubles, evoking his alleged affair with Stormy Daniels.
Despite the circus-like atmosphere, voters are still focused on pressing issues like the economy and immigration. Biden highlighted his efforts to manage the economy and immigration system, while Trump painted a grim picture of America’s current state, declaring, “We’re living in hell.”
Both candidates face challenges: Biden with his age and health, and Trump with his mounting legal troubles. With more debates to come, voters can only hope for fewer gaffes and more substance. Or at least some better one-liners.