Brazil’s leftist president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has expressed doubts about U.S. President Joe Biden’s ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Lula’s skepticism comes amid widespread international criticism of Biden’s recent debate performance against Trump, which many observers described as lackluster and unconvincing.
Lula, who has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past, suggested that Biden’s age and perceived frailty could be significant disadvantages in the high-stakes political contest. “Biden’s performance in the debate was not strong,” Lula remarked. “He seemed hesitant and struggled to articulate his points clearly. This could be a problem when facing someone as aggressive and combative as Trump.”
The debate, held in Atlanta, Georgia, was widely covered by international media, with many outlets highlighting Biden’s apparent difficulties. Russian media, for instance, described Biden’s performance as a “total failure,” with commentators questioning his mental and physical fitness to lead the country. Chinese media likened the debate to a reality show, emphasizing the fierce personal attacks between the two candidates and noting Biden’s frequent verbal slip-ups.
In India, media coverage focused on Biden’s “shaky” performance and Trump’s aggressive tactics. The Hindustan Times described the debate as a “high-stakes face-off” that could significantly impact the rest of the campaign. Indian outlets also highlighted Trump’s accusations that Biden was “paid by China,” a claim that resonated with some segments of the Indian audience.
Israeli media echoed these sentiments, with many commentators describing Biden as “weak” and speculating on how a Trump victory could affect the ongoing Gaza conflict. Trump’s assertion that the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel would not have happened under his presidency was a focal point in Israeli coverage, with some analysts suggesting that a second Trump term could have significant geopolitical implications.
In Latin America, media reactions were similarly critical of Biden. Brazilian daily Folha de Sao Paulo headlined its report with “Trump corners Biden in tense debate,” while other outlets noted Biden’s “hesitant and confused performance.” Argentine newspaper La Nacion pointed out that Biden failed to dispel doubts about his age and health, setting off alarms within his party.
Mexican media focused on the debate’s contentious immigration discussions, with Trump criticizing Biden’s policies and describing the U.S. as a “nest of rats” due to alleged criminal activities by migrants. This rhetoric struck a chord in Mexico, where there is significant concern about U.S. immigration policies.
Turkish media also weighed in, with many outlets describing Biden’s debate performance as poor and suggesting that it led to panic among Democrats. Hurriyet newspaper called the debate a “disaster” for Biden, while other commentators speculated that a new Trump era might be approaching.
Despite the international criticism, Biden’s campaign has attempted to downplay the negative reactions. At a New York fundraiser, Biden addressed his debate performance, saying, “When you get knocked down, you get back up.” He also made light of his age, arguing that it gave him the experience to get things done and tell the truth.
First Lady Jill Biden also defended her husband, recounting a conversation they had after the debate. “Joe said, ‘I don’t know what happened. I didn’t feel that great.’ And I told him, ‘We are not going to let 90 minutes define the four years that you’ve been president.'”
However, the debate has sparked discussions within the Democratic Party about Biden’s viability as a candidate. Some Democrats, including former HUD Secretary Julián Castro, have suggested that Biden’s performance has made it less likely that he will win the election. Castro argued that Biden failed to clear a low bar and that the debate highlighted his vulnerabilities.
In swing states like Michigan, Democratic voters are divided on whether Biden should step aside. Some believe that Biden’s experience makes him the best candidate, while others are concerned about his health and performance. Rashad Asoufy, a voter from Dearborn, Michigan, said, “Ideally, I would like him to step down and have someone else be the Democratic ticket. But if he’s all we have, I would still stick with Biden because the alternative is not really good for this country.”
Despite the internal and external criticisms, Biden’s campaign remains focused on grassroots organizing and mobilizing voters. A memo from the Biden campaign highlighted efforts to engage voters through watch parties, volunteer shifts, and direct voter contact. The campaign aims to counter the negative perceptions and build momentum as the election approaches.
As the U.S. election draws nearer, the international community will continue to watch closely. Lula’s doubts about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump reflect broader concerns about the current president’s capacity to lead effectively. Whether Biden can overcome these challenges and secure a second term remains to be seen.
Source: BBC News, NBC News
