Biden falters in heated debate against Trump
Vice President Kamala Harris, in damage control, defended Biden’s record but acknowledged his slow start in the debate.
Biden falters in heated debate against Trump
Joe Biden struggled to quell concerns about his age during a heated debate with Donald Trump on Thursday.
In a clash filled with personal insults, Biden’s faltering delivery raised worries within the Democratic Party as polls show Trump either tied or ahead for the November election.
A bombastic Trump criticized Biden’s handling of the economy and foreign policy, while Biden, speaking rapidly in a raspy voice, stumbled over his words.
Despite his preparation, Biden’s performance added to concerns about his viability for a second term.
This historic debate, the first between a current and former president, saw both accusing each other of being the worst in history.
The two, who were each the oldest presidents when first elected, even argued over their golf swings, trading barbs about being childlike.
READ ALSO: Binance: 16 US lawmakers petition Biden, demand return of Gambaryan by Nigeria
The debate, held at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, had no live audience, and the candidates did not shake hands.
Biden, reportedly suffering from a cold, aimed to remind viewers that Trump would be the first convicted felon in the White House, calling him morally deficient.
Trump, leveraging his rally experience, criticized Biden loudly, questioning his coherence and leadership.
Vice President Kamala Harris, in damage control, defended Biden’s record but acknowledged his slow start in the debate.
A CNN poll showed 67 percent of viewers believed Trump won. With Democrats set to formally nominate Biden in August, his faltering debate performance fueled concerns among his supporters.
The debate lacked new policy proposals, with the candidates focusing on attacking each other’s records.
In personal moments, Biden defended his late son Beau against Trump’s alleged derogatory remarks about soldiers, while Trump accused Biden of incompetence on foreign policy and handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
As the debate concluded, the concerns about Biden’s performance underscored the challenges he faces heading into the election.