At a campaign fundraiser in McLean, Virginia, President Joe Biden, for the first time, attributed his poor debate performance last week to the extensive international travel he undertook in June. Speaking candidly to a small group of reporters, Biden explained, “I decided to travel around the world a couple of times,” referencing his recent trips, including a visit to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He admitted, “I didn’t listen to my staff,” and confessed that he nearly “fell asleep on stage.”
Biden apologized for his performance, emphasizing that winning the election remains “critical.” He clarified, “It’s not an excuse but an explanation,” and noted that despite the debate, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and his campaign have raised millions of dollars since that night. “I feel good about it,” he added.
Biden’s debate performance has sparked renewed concerns about his age and mental acuity among political observers, including some Democrats. These concerns have led to discussions about his ability to continue as the party’s nominee. The president first addressed his poor performance at a North Carolina rally the day after the debate, acknowledging, “Folks, I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious. I don’t debate as well as I used to, but I know what I do know. I know how to tell the truth,” he said to loud cheers from the crowd.
At a fundraiser at the home of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Biden reiterated, “I didn’t have a great night, but I’m going to be fighting harder.” Earlier, the Biden campaign held a call with over 500 regional and national finance chairs, during which senior campaign advisers defended Biden’s health and assured supporters of his capability to continue his 2024 campaign. They highlighted the numerous campaign events held nationwide and the significant fundraising haul since the debate, with the campaign and the Democratic Party raising $33 million.
The debate between Biden, 81, and former President Donald Trump, 78, has intensified the focus on their ages. Both candidates are the oldest ever to seek the US presidency, making age an unavoidable election issue. For 90 minutes, under the scrutiny of high-definition cameras, Biden and Trump sparred on various topics, from the economy and foreign wars to immigration and the future of democracy. Any slip-up or verbal miscue could cement concerns about their advanced age, potentially reshaping the tight presidential race.
Delivering a vigorous performance is particularly critical for Biden, who has faced questions about his stamina and mental fitness since taking office. Democratic strategist Jim Messina emphasized, “It’s not a contest of age, it’s a contest of policy and character.” However, polling shows that voters are more concerned about Biden’s age than Trump’s. A March New York Times/Siena College poll indicated that 73% of registered voters believed Biden was “just too old to be an effective president,” while only 42% said the same about Trump.
Despite being declared “fit for duty” by a White House physician earlier this year, concerns about Biden’s age persist. Signs of aging, such as a softer speaking voice, occasional memory lapses, and a “stiffened gait” attributed partly to arthritis, have become more noticeable. Videos of routine actions, like walking up and down Air Force One’s stairway or crossing a stage at public events, are closely scrutinized online and in conservative media.
Biden’s team has responded to these concerns with a rapid response effort on social media, sharing content that raises questions about Trump’s mental acuity. They have posted clips of Trump appearing to walk off stage before he is supposed to and being redirected by others, including former Vice-President Mike Pence and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, voters’ reservations about Biden’s age continue to be one of his biggest vulnerabilities, particularly among younger voters. Amanda Litman, a Democratic strategist, noted that watching the debate could be an “eye-opening experience” for younger voters. Brandt Williams, a 23-year-old accountant from Connecticut, expressed support for Biden but acknowledged, “The one issue is pretty common. His age.”
In the critical battleground of Georgia, where the first debate took place, Democrats sense apathy among young voters, with age being a significant sticking point. Titus Nichols, a 39-year-old attorney active in the Cobb County Democratic Party, remarked, “Biden is stuck in a position where the younger generation wants action… they don’t want a speech about how we’re better as a nation.”
As millions of people tuned in to judge the nominees’ stamina, delivering a strong performance was crucial for Biden to quell fears about his age. Democratic strategist Amanda Litman emphasized, “I think he needs to show competency and confidence. And a little bit of fight.”
Source: ABC News, BBC News, CNN
