President Joe Biden's performance in the recent debate has reignited calls for him to consider stepping aside from the presidential race. According to ARISE TV NEWS, during the debate, Biden, 81, struggled at times, particularly early on, while attempting to confront his Republican rival, Donald Trump.
Trump, meanwhile, responded to Biden's criticisms with false statements about the economy, illegal immigration, and his role in the January 6 Capitol Insurrection. Biden's uneven showing highlighted concerns about his age, sparking fresh discussions within the Democratic Party about the possibility of him stepping down to avoid a potential Trump return to the White House. Throughout the debate, Biden attacked Trump on various issues, from his recent felony conviction to allegations of insulting World War I veterans and Trump's weight and golf game.
Trump, however, did not commit to accepting the results of the upcoming election, echoing his past baseless claims of electoral fraud. Notably, Biden's early performance drew significant attention. David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Obama, and Democratic strategist Van Jones, both commented on Biden's weak start. Axelrod mentioned a sense of shock at Biden's initial performance, and Jones stated that Biden did not perform well.
During the debate, ARISE TV NEWS detailed that Biden's voice was hoarse, and he appeared disoriented at times, losing his train of thought and fumbling over key issues such as abortion rights and his economic record. His handling of the landmark Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade was particularly problematic, as he struggled to clearly explain his stance on abortion restrictions. However, Biden did gain some momentum as the debate progressed, attacking Trump's record on climate change and other issues. Vice President Kamala Harris defended Biden's performance, acknowledging a slow start but emphasizing a strong finish. Despite this, Biden's uneven delivery and age-related concerns continue to be a topic of discussion among Democrats and the general public.
According to a Gallup poll conducted in June, 59% of U.S. adults expressed concern that Biden is too old to be president, compared to 18% who had the same concern about Trump. Prominent Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have expressed support for Biden, dismissing the idea of stepping in for him. Biden himself remains determined to continue his campaign, urging supporters to "keep going" and indicating he has no plans to exit the race.