Concerns Arise Within Democratic Party Over Biden’s Debate Performance

Following Thursday night’s debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, some Democrats are expressing concern about Biden’s performance and overall fitness for office. At 81, Biden faced a challenging evening during the CNN-hosted debate in Atlanta, Georgia, where his speech at times was halting, and he had difficulty articulating his responses. This has reignited discussions within the Democratic Party regarding his age and suitability for re-election.

The debate marked the first direct confrontation between Biden and Trump since their 2020 election battle. The 90-minute session featured sharp exchanges over various issues, including the economy, abortion rights, immigration, foreign policy, and democracy. Both candidates staunchly defended their records while often sticking to their preferred topics and avoiding direct answers to the moderators’ questions.

Debate Dynamics

Economy:
The debate began with a focus on the economy. Biden, who was dealing with a cold, attributed the current economic challenges to Trump’s administration, accusing it of leaving the economy in poor shape and contributing to inflation. Biden claimed, “It’s probably the worst administration in history,” while Trump countered by highlighting his own economic achievements. Trump described his tenure as leading to “the greatest economy in the history of our country,” and defended his fiscal policies during the COVID-19 pandemic as necessary measures to avoid a depression.

Trump also emphasized the role of his tax cuts in spurring economic growth prior to the pandemic, stating they had set the stage for paying down debt before the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19. Biden’s response included a noticeable stumble, which Trump quickly capitalized on, critiquing Biden’s handling of Medicaid and Medicare.

Abortion & Roe v. Wade:
The candidates clashed over abortion rights, particularly the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Trump took credit for appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned the landmark decision in 2022, advocating for states’ rights to regulate abortion. He supported the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding state bans on abortion medication, while Biden criticized Trump’s role in the reversal, arguing it restricted women’s access to essential healthcare. Biden pledged to restore Roe v. Wade and emphasized that abortion decisions should be made by medical professionals, not politicians.

Immigration:
Immigration was another focal point, with Trump repeatedly attacking Biden’s policies. He claimed that the current administration’s immigration policies had led to a surge in illegal immigration and related crimes. Trump asserted that under his administration, the US had the “safest border in the history of our country.” Biden defended his administration’s record, highlighting efforts to increase the number of asylum officers and addressing immigration challenges.

Foreign Policy:
Foreign policy discussions centered on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and its implications. Trump criticized the withdrawal, labeling it “the most embarrassing day in the history of this country’s life,” and linked it to broader global instability, including Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. He suggested that his administration would have prevented such events. Biden defended his administration’s actions during the withdrawal and stressed the successful evacuation efforts and ongoing support for NATO allies.

Democracy and January 6:
The debate also touched on the events of January 6, 2021, and concerns about democracy. Trump reiterated unfounded claims about the 2020 election being rigged and avoided a direct commitment to condemning political violence or unequivocally accepting the election results. Biden condemned Trump’s inaction during the Capitol riot and criticized his moral conduct, referencing Trump’s legal and personal controversies. Trump retaliated with reminding Biden of his own son’s conviction and Nancy Pelosi’s alleged admission to turning down the National Guard during protests in Washington DC.

Viewers’ Perceptions and Polling Results

A CNN flash poll conducted after the debate indicated that a majority of viewers felt Trump outperformed Biden. The poll, conducted among registered voters who watched the debate, showed that 67% believed Trump had a stronger performance compared to 33% who favored Biden. This marked a significant shift in perception compared to previous debates, where Biden was generally viewed more favorably.

The poll revealed a partisan divide in debate perceptions, with 96% of Republican viewers believing Trump did better, compared to 69% of Democratic viewers who felt Biden had the upper hand. Among Democratic viewers, 27% felt neither candidate effectively addressed concerns about their fitness for office.

Despite these views, both Biden and Trump saw minimal shifts among their supporters, with only 3% of each side saying they were persuaded to consider the opposing candidate. Larger shifts were noted among viewers supporting other candidates or those undecided, with 9% saying the debate changed their minds and 25% reconsidering their options.

Reactions and Campaign Responses

The results of the CNN poll have resonated across social media platforms, with many users, including liberal commentators, acknowledging Trump’s perceived debate victory. A former CNN commentator Chris Cillizza describing the debate as a challenging moment for Biden, citing his difficulty in maintaining clear and energetic answers. Some party insiders even suggested that Biden should reconsider his re-election bid. Biden’s campaign attributed his performance issues to a cold, while Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged a “slow start but a strong finish.” First Lady Jill Biden praised her husband’s knowledge and responses during the debate.

The debate underscores the heightened scrutiny on Biden’s age and capabilities as he pursues re-election. Trump continues to lead in national and swing state polls, despite his legal challenges and ongoing criminal cases related to the 2020 election.

The debate and subsequent reactions underscore the evolving dynamics of the presidential race, reflecting shifting voter sentiments and the potential implications for the upcoming election.