Following the first of a series of presidential debates between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the run-up to the 2024 US Presidential election, Biden, the incumbent President, was criticized for his performance by fellow Democrats and fundraisers.
Already, at this early a stage in the debate cycle, responses to the performance suggest that it may have a major impact on the upcoming election.
New Debate Format Reduces Interruptions
This debate used a novel format where, when one of the candidates spoke, the other’s mic was muted.
The intention may have been to reduce the interruptions seen in previous debates during the last election cycle.
Golf Ability as Proxy for Age-Related Decline
The debate topics were wide-ranging, and one question was posed to both of them about their suitability as president at the ages of 78 (Donald Trump) and 81 (Joe Biden).
Trump chose to focus on his ability to play golf as proof of his physical health, while Biden responded: “I’m happy to play golf with you if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?”
Biden Notably Hesitant and Unfocussed
Biden was criticized for regularly losing his train of thought and pausing for long periods at a time.
When beginning to talk about actions he would take with the US healthcare system, he had to be interrupted and thanked by the host after stuttering and going silent several times.
“Really Disappointing” Performance
Kate Bedingfield, a former communications director under Biden, talking to CNN, was let down by Biden’s performance.
“It was a really disappointing debate performance from Joe Biden, I don’t think there’s any other way to slice it,” she said.
Tripping Over His Words
At more than one point, it was difficult to follow Biden’s points. He said, on border control, “I’m going to continue to move until we get the total ban on the total initiative relative to what we’re going to do with more Border Patrol and more asylum officers.”
Donald Trump responded: “I don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said, either.”
Democrat Donor Suggests Biden Drop Out Would Be Welcomed
One Biden donor, speaking anonymously to CNBC, said that the debate was “worse than I thought was possible.”
They went on to say that “everyone I’m speaking with thinks Biden should drop out.”
Former Advisor Says It Is “Game Over” for Biden
A Democratic campaign advisor with over 10 years fundraising experience said it was “game over” and that “Biden’s got to leave.”
They said that “if he doesn’t get out we’re going to get f****** crushed.”
Comparison to Previous Debate Performances
An advisor to a Democrat Donor suggested it was worse even than some historical debate disasters.
They said that it was an “absolute train wreck” and “worse than Reagan in ’84 or Bush in ’04”.
Difficult for Democrats to Change Course
At this stage of the presidential election cycle, it may be quite difficult for Democrats to replace Biden as their candidate for the US presidency.
He would likely have to drop out himself as there are no mechanisms for having him replaced at this late stage, and it would lead to a scramble to find a new candidate by the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention in August.
