Biden’s Debate Performance Sparks Panic Among Media Pundits and Democrats

Biden | Source: X

Overview

Media pundits and commentators declared President Joe Biden’s campaign dead following a disastrous performance in the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. The debate sparked panic among left-wing pundits and raised serious doubts about Biden’s ability to continue his campaign.

Why It Matters

The debate performance calls into question Biden’s capability to lead and maintain voter confidence, crucial for national stability and effective governance.

Who It Impacts

This impacts American voters, particularly those undecided or leaning towards the Democratic Party, as well as Democratic campaign strategies and leadership decisions.


Following the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, media pundits and commentators declared President Joe Biden’s campaign effectively over. The debate, widely seen as a critical opportunity for Biden to reassure voters and energize his base, turned into a debacle that left many questioning his ability to continue in the race.

CNN’s polling reflected the dire situation, with 67% of respondents believing Trump won the debate compared to just 33% for Biden. The network’s analysts did not hold back their dismay.”He’s doing the best that he can,” said CNN Democrat analyst Van Jones. “But he had a test to meet tonight to restore confidence in the country and of the base, and he failed to do that.” Jones further suggested that Biden should end his campaign, stating there was still time for the Democratic Party to find a new direction.

Former Obama adviser David Axelrod echoed similar sentiments, describing a “sense of shock” over Biden’s performance. “He seemed a little disoriented,” Axelrod noted. He anticipated discussions within the party about Biden’s future in the race, although he was unsure if they would lead to any definitive actions.

The criticism extended beyond CNN. ABC News’ Tammy Bruce remarked that this was “not the night that the Biden campaign wanted or needed.” NBC News’ Kristen Welker reported that some Democratic lawmakers considered the race “effectively over,” while others questioned the path forward. Erin Burnett of CNN suggested that Biden knew the debate questions in advance yet still struggled to fill his time, indicating deeper issues with his preparedness and performance.

The reaction from commentators like Chris Wallace of CNN was even more severe. Wallace likened Biden’s debate performance to a “car wreck in slow motion,” asserting that he “sunk his campaign tonight.” On social media, figures like ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith pleaded for Democrats to find a replacement for Biden, expressing disbelief at the campaign’s decision to put him on the debate stage.

Far-left podcast host Cenk Uygur described the debate as a “bloodbath,” asserting that Biden “can’t even talk” or “look normal,” predicting a landslide defeat if he continued. CBS News added to the turmoil, reporting that top House Democrats were discussing ways to force Biden to step down following his poor performance.

Former Senator Claire McCaskill on MSNBC summarized the widespread disappointment, stating, “Joe Biden had one thing he had to do tonight and he didn’t do it.” She expressed doubt about Biden’s ability to recover from the setback, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation among high-ranking Democrats.

The aftermath of the debate has left the Democratic Party in a state of crisis, with increasing calls for a reevaluation of Biden’s candidacy. The performance has not only undermined Biden’s campaign but also raised significant concerns about his leadership capabilities at a critical juncture.