Staff Reports
Joe Biden’s allies desperately hoped he’d show some unexpected vigor on the debate stage, dispelling the ever-growing doubts about the 81-year-old Democrat’s mental fitness. Unsurprisingly, Biden failed to meet even those modest expectations, leaving Democrats scratching their heads and murmuring about a potential replacement.
In a highly anticipated 90-minute debate, Biden’s performance was riddled with awkward pauses, stumbles, and a barely audible speaking style that left viewers more confused than convinced. Democrats, from strategists to everyday voters, spiraled into a state of panic as the evening dragged on. Behind closed doors and out in the open, questions buzzed about whether Biden was the best pick to go head-to-head with the 78-year-old Republican stalwart, Donald Trump.
Biden’s debate performance spurs Democratic panic about his ability to lead party against Trump https://t.co/m7VcWrz79N
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) June 28, 2024
Biden’s campaign was always a risky bet, selling an 81-year-old career politician with plummeting approval ratings as the nation’s best hope against Trump. Their strategy banked on voters remembering Biden as the hero who vanquished Trump four years ago. But any flicker of confidence was dimmed by his lackluster debate showing. Vice President Kamala Harris, trying her best to rally the troops, pointed to the importance of the coming election, but even her words felt like they were wrapped in desperation.
Democrats’ nerves were on full display as Biden’s surrogates slowly sauntered into the post-debate spin room, dodging reporters’ questions while clumsily attacking Trump’s alleged lies from the debate. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a perennial dark horse for the Democratic nomination, urged calm, pleading for unity behind Biden. His attempts to rally the party only underscored the cracks forming within it.
Meanwhile, the Republican camp enjoyed a hearty laugh at Biden’s expense. Trump’s co-campaign chief had no doubts about the Democrats’ quandary, sarcastically dismissing any speculation that Biden might step aside. The debacle seemed to solidify Trump’s advantage, with many betting that Biden wouldn’t voluntarily exit the race despite the clown car of advisors piling on.
This miserable debate performance will likely haunt Biden until their next face-off in 75 days. In the aftermath, Biden trotted off to North Carolina and Harris to Nevada, but their campaign seemed to hold little more than a schedule of pre-planned appearances. The Democrats will spend the coming weeks trying to convince themselves that this one debate isn’t a death sentence, but even the most ardent Biden supporters left the event with a bitter taste.
In essence, the Democrats are struggling to maintain a facade of confidence while spiraling into an ever-deepening chasm of uncertainty. With Trump poised and eager for the next debate, the GOP is sitting back and enjoying the show—the show where the Democratic Party grapples with the reality of their chosen candidate’s alarming performance.
