Joe Biden’s Debate Performance Sparks Democratic Panic Ahead of 2024 Election
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
The Democratic Party has been thrown into turmoil following Joe Biden’s poor debate performance against Donald Trump, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Excel Magazine International reports that Biden, 81, struggled through the 90-minute primetime face-off on CNN, showing signs of confusion and stumbling over his words, raising concerns about his capability to run for reelection.
Immediately after taking the stage, Biden’s hoarse voice and frequent throat-clearing set a worrying tone for the night.
Throughout the debate, he often looked blankly into the camera or down at his notes, further exacerbating concerns.
David Axelrod, former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, acknowledged the damaging nature of Biden’s performance, noting that it has sparked internal discussions about Biden’s potential to continue his campaign.
Axelrod stated, “There was a sense of shock at how he came out at the beginning of the debate, how his voice sounded, he seemed a little disoriented.” He added that Biden’s performance highlighted fears regarding his age and ability to serve another term.
Biden also had difficulty finishing his sentences, often cutting his answers short, prompting CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash to remind him to use his allotted time.
Kate Bedingfeld, a former White House communications director for Biden, also criticized his performance, calling it “really disappointing.”
Activist and CNN commentator Van Jones described the debate as “painful,” despite his personal affection for Biden.
He mentioned that some party members might now consider other options for the 2024 election. “There are people who are going to want to see him consider taking a different course now,” Jones said.
Other Democratic strategists expressed similar concerns. MSNBC contributor and Democratic strategist Max Burns noted that ignoring Biden’s poor performance would be “political malpractice.”
CNN host Kasie Hunt shared texts from prominent Democrats expressing their distress, with one text urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to take action.
MSNBC’s Nicole Wallace reported that high-level conversations about replacing Biden are actively taking place within the party.
Joy Reid added that many Democrats are in a state of panic over Biden’s appearance of weakness during the debate.
In contrast, Biden spokesman Andrew Bates dismissed the concerns, praising Biden for making a “strong argument for his vision” during the debate.
As the Democratic Party grapples with the fallout from Biden’s debate performance, discussions about the future of his campaign are expected to continue.
