President Joe Biden recently opened up about his performance in the latest debate during a conversation with a Milwaukee radio host. The President candidly admitted, “I screwed up,” reflecting on his performance and the overall tone of the debate. This admission comes at a time when many Americans are scrutinizing the political landscape and the behavior of their leaders.
The debate, which took place on Thursday evening, was a hot topic among attendees at a Bernie Sanders rally in Stevens Point. About 650 people braved the rain to hear the Vermont senator speak, and many expressed their frustration with the current state of political discourse. Kelly VanLaanen, a 48-year-old from Plover, voiced her disappointment, saying, “I’m so tired of people being disrespectful to each other and not focusing on actual priorities that need to be addressed.”
The sentiment was echoed by others in the crowd, many of whom wore Sanders’ campaign merchandise. Travis Laprise, a 32-year-old from Stevens Point, shared his admiration for Sanders, stating, “I’ve been a big fan of Bernie since he first ran for president. It was the one and only time I really got activated and actually excited for politics.”
Sanders’ speech touched on various issues, including the rising costs of essentials like healthcare, food, and housing, as well as the influence of wealthy interests in U.S. politics. He emphasized the need for grassroots democracy and campaign finance reform, saying, “Unless we change this broken and corrupt campaign finance system, which allows big money interests to buy and sell politicians, we’re never going to be able to bring about the changes that working people need in this country.”
Morgan Benton, a 24-year-old from Plover, resonated with Sanders’ message, highlighting the importance of community and social programs. Benton appreciated Sanders’ willingness to engage with people directly, noting, “Not only at the local level but at the state level and the federal level, there is a declining confidence in government in general. I think the reason for that is that a lot of working people are hurt.”
Sanders’ caring language and genuine concern for the working class have earned him a loyal following in Wisconsin. Laprise pointed out that Sanders’ authenticity contributed to his primary victory in the state in 2016. “I think, Wisconsinites, we can tell that he’s genuine,” Laprise said. “We take everyone at face value, right. And at face value, he tells everyone, ‘I care about you.’ And I think that’s enough.”
During an interview at the Cap Times Idea Fest in Madison, Sanders discussed the optimism in his campaigns, particularly the inspiration he draws from young people who want to create a nation based on humane values and justice. Jordan Garski, a 25-year-old from Stevens Point, described himself as a “realistic optimist,” believing that collective effort can lead to positive change.
However, not everyone at the rally was entirely focused on Sanders’ usual campaign rhetoric. Mike Marcucci, a 68-year-old from Montello and co-chair of the Marquette County Democratic Party, expressed a desire to hear more about the debate. He found the debate distressing and was concerned about Biden’s performance, saying, “Joe Biden didn’t seem very healthy at all, didn’t seem very engaged. He’s been very effective as a president but Joe Average would look at that and say, ‘I just don’t think he’s ready for another four years.'”
Marcucci’s concerns reflect a broader anxiety among some voters about the future of the Democratic Party and the upcoming election. Despite these worries, Sanders’ message of hope and community continues to resonate with many, offering a counterpoint to the often divisive and negative tone of contemporary political discourse.
As the election season progresses, Biden’s acknowledgment of his debate performance and the ongoing discussions among voters and political figures like Sanders will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape. The President’s candid admission and the reactions from the public highlight the importance of authenticity and genuine concern for the issues that matter most to Americans.
Source: Stevens Point Journal, USA-TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
