In a heated debate on Thursday, President Joe Biden faced challenges in dispelling concerns about his age as he contends for a second term in the White House. The encounter with former President Donald Trump was marked by personal insults and sharp exchanges.
Donald Trump, known for his bombastic style, criticized Biden’s handling of the economy and international affairs. Biden, aiming to respond, faltered in his delivery, speaking rapidly in a raspy, trailing-off voice, stumbling over his words, and appearing bewildered.
Despite spending the week in seclusion to prepare, his performance raised fresh concerns within the Democratic Party, especially as polls indicate a close race with Trump for the upcoming November election.
This debate, held at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, was unprecedented as it featured a sitting president and a former president. Both leaders, who were the oldest to be elected when they first took office, traded accusations of being the worst in history and even mocked each other over their golf swings. Notably, Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, did not shake hands as they approached their podiums. The debate had no live audience, and the candidates’ microphones were muted while the other spoke.
Biden, reportedly suffering from a cold, attempted to deliver rehearsed lines to remind viewers of Trump’s legal troubles, suggesting he could become the first convicted felon in the White House. “You have the morals of an alley cat,” Biden retorted.
Trump, drawing on his experience from rallies and reality television, spoke loudly and listed his grievances with Biden’s record. “I’m friends with a lot of people. They cannot believe what happened to the United States of America. We’re no longer respected,” Trump declared.
Trump also capitalized on Biden’s halting speech, remarking, “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said either.”
This high-stakes debate underscored the intense rivalry and differing visions of the two candidates as they vie for the presidency.