The outcome of the 2024 US presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump has sparked significant backlash. Many international media outlets criticised the performance of both candidates.
Debate Performance and Voter Perceptions
According to a CNN flash poll, the majority of debate watchers felt that Trump outperformed Biden. With 67% saying Trump had a better performance compared to 33% for Biden. This sentiment was strong among Republican voters, with 96% of the GOP saying Trump did the better job.
Biden’s performance was widely panned, with Russian media branding it a “total failure”. And Chinese outlets describe it as “shaky” and suggest Biden “often makes verbal slip-ups”. Latin American media also highlighted Biden’s “hesitant and confused” demeanour. That his poor showing “could radically change the scenario of the elections”.
Domestic Reactions to Biden’s Performance
Many voters, including some Democrats and independents, were highly critical of Biden’s performance, with some describing it as “weak”, “stumbling”, and “not presidential”. Some even suggested the Democrats should find a new candidate to replace Biden.
Democratic Party Response
However, Biden’s campaign and prominent Democrats, including former President Obama, rallied behind him, then urged the party not to abandon him over one debate performance. They argued the election would come down to the choice between Biden and Trump, not just a single debate. Biden’s poor debate performance has thrown his reelection bid into crisis. Democratic strategists and voters openly question whether he is the best standard-bearer for the party.
Concerns About Age and Fitness for Office
There were concerns that the poor debate showings of both candidates reinforced doubts about their age and fitness for office among voters. The Biden campaign will need to act quickly to shore up the president’s image and vision for a second term. Otherwise, the door may be open for Trump to mount a successful comeback bid for American democracy. Any comment below!
