Biden reacts to debate debacle against Trump.
US President Joe Biden has attributed his poor performance in the recent debate against Republican rival Donald Trump to jet lag caused by extensive overseas travel.
Speaking at a fundraiser, Biden remarked, “It’s not an excuse, but an explanation.”
The President admitted that his decision to undertake multiple international trips shortly before the debate was unwise.
“I didn’t listen to my staff,” he confessed. “And then I almost fell asleep on stage.”
In the two weeks leading up to the debate, Biden visited France, returned to the United States, and then traveled to Italy, among other destinations.
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He had only a few days to recuperate at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and appeared visibly fatigued during this time.
Known for his occasional verbal slips, Biden seemed to struggle while responding to Trump’s accusations during the debate.
Trump aggressively criticized Biden’s handling of the economy and foreign affairs.
Although Biden tried to counter, his delivery was hesitant, his voice soft and trailing off, and he stumbled over his words multiple times.
I’ll leave the debate rating to the pundits, but here’s what I know: facts and history matter. Joe Biden has given us 3 years of solid leadership, steadying us after the pandemic, creating a record number of new jobs, making real progress solving the climate crisis, and launching…
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) June 28, 2024
The debate, notable for being the first ever between a sitting president and a former president, saw both leaders accusing each other of being the worst in history.
Biden’s faltering performance has led to calls from within the Democratic Party for him to reconsider his bid for a second term, prompting a period of “soul-searching.”
Biden’s remarks may further raise concerns about whether the 81-year-old can handle the demands of a rigorous travel schedule and packed agenda.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged that the debate was “a bad night” but emphasized that Biden “knows how to come back” from setbacks.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, responding to the criticism, highlighted that global observers focus on Biden’s accomplishments since taking office rather than a single debate performance, appreciating his policies and leadership.
