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Four More Years
Concerns about Joe Biden’s age and stamina have been ongoing throughout the 2024 campaign. Even well-received addresses like the 2024 State of the Union were unable to dispel the perception that, whatever his personal qualities, he was too old to run again. Going into the June 27 debate, there was an expectation among many that, should Biden give a robust enough performance to allay those fears, he would do well in a contest with Donald Trump.
Within minutes, the Biden campaign’s hopes began to collapse. His voice was hoarse and his walk was slow. Sources reported during the debate that the president had a cold, but he also seemed to struggle with some of his responses. He fumbled over words, confused figures, and trailed off in his answers. When he wasn’t speaking, he appeared tired, even dazed.
Biden seemed strongest when he challenged Trump directly. He grew animated over Trump’s alleged comments on World War I casualties being “suckers and losers,” his civil and criminal convictions, and the former president’s role in January 6. But the overwhelming response among pundits was that Biden had given a shambling performance. Reporters across networks said on-air that Democrats at all levels were shocked and dismayed by how the president fared, to the point that discussions about trying to replace him at the head of the ticket were underway.
