President Joe Biden’s lackluster performance in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle has left Democrats in a state of panic and disarray.
The debate, which took place on June 27, 2024, saw Biden struggling to articulate his thoughts, appearing feeble and confused at times, while his opponent, former President Donald Trump, appeared confident and energetic.
CNN reports "this debate was so terrible" for Biden that "there is a deep, a wide, and very aggressive panic in the Democratic Party" that "started minutes into the debate" because of the "dismal" performance.
Some conversations include asking Biden to "step aside." pic.twitter.com/p7d9TSwtcu
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) June 28, 2024
The fallout from the debate has been swift and severe. Mainstream outlets and pundits have declared Trump the decisive winner, with many expressing shock and disappointment at Biden’s performance. This has led to a growing chorus of voices within the Democratic Party calling for Biden to step aside and make way for a younger, more capable candidate.
I can smell the panic in DC clear across the country right now. pic.twitter.com/VzGuuqchS4
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) June 28, 2024
In the hours following the debate, CNN reported that there was a “deep, wide, and very aggressive panic” among Democrats, with some even suggesting that Biden should be asked to withdraw from the race. The New York Times described Biden’s performance as “shaky” and “halting,” noting that it had left many Democrats “talking about replacing him on the ticket.”
CNN feels like Biden's funeral
"It's not just panic, it's pain." pic.twitter.com/h3MKtuiCcu
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) June 28, 2024
The panic among Democrats is not limited to the media and political pundits. Several prominent members of the party have also expressed their concerns about Biden’s ability to lead. Vice President Kamala Harris, in an attempt to defend Biden, acknowledged that he had a “slow start” in the debate but insisted that he had performed well overall. However, her comments did little to quell the growing unease within the party.
Time magazine coverhttps://t.co/kPUI1mbEYS pic.twitter.com/hLyLIp2Q20
— Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) June 28, 2024
As the fallout from the debate continues to reverberate, it remains to be seen whether Biden will heed the calls to step aside or if he will continue to fight for the nomination. For now, the Democratic Party is left grappling with the fallout from a debate that many see as a disaster and a potential turning point in the 2024 election.
