President Joe Biden recently faced significant criticism following a subpar performance in a presidential debate against his Republican rival, former President Donald Trump. Biden attributed his lackluster showing to severe jet lag, a consequence of extensive international travel in the weeks leading up to the debate.
Speaking at a campaign event in McLean, Virginia, Biden candidly admitted, "I didn't have my best night, but the fact is that you know, I wasn't very smart. I decided to travel around the world a couple of times, going through around 100 time zones before the debate. Didn't listen to my staff and came back and nearly fell asleep on stage. That's no excuse but it is an explanation".
Biden's admission has reignited discussions about his cognitive ability and fitness for office, especially given his age. At 81, Biden is the oldest serving American president, and concerns about his mental acuity have been a recurring theme in the political discourse. Despite these concerns, Biden remains resolute in his commitment to seeking re-election in the upcoming 2024 election.
The President's extensive travel schedule included trips to France and Italy, followed by an overnight flight from the Group of Seven summit in Bari, Italy, to Los Angeles for a fundraiser with former President Barack Obama. Biden then spent six days at Camp David preparing for the June 27 debate. Despite these preparations, the fatigue from his travels took a toll on his performance.
White House officials initially attributed Biden's halting performance to a cold, but the President himself did not mention any illness during his recent remarks. Instead, he focused on the impact of his travel schedule, acknowledging that he had not heeded his staff's advice to rest more before the debate.
The debate performance has led to calls from within the Democratic Party for Biden to reconsider his re-election bid. Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas publicly urged Biden to step aside, citing concerns about his ability to effectively lead the country for another term. "Recognising that, unlike Trump, President Biden’s first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw. I respectfully call on him to do so," Doggett stated.
Despite the criticism, Biden's campaign remains focused on downplaying the age factor and emphasizing his accomplishments in office. Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended Biden, stating that people around the world appreciate the President's policies and leadership, not just one night's performance.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that one in three Democrats believe Biden should end his re-election bid following the debate. However, the poll also showed that both Biden and Trump maintain the support of 40 percent of registered voters, indicating that Biden has not lost significant ground since the debate.
As Biden prepares for the next phase of his campaign, he is set to address the public in a primetime interview with ABC News. Democratic leaders, including Congressman Jim Clyburn and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have emphasized the importance of unity within the party and the critical role Biden plays in their campaign efforts.
