Biden’s Poor Debate Performance: Lessons for Harris and Warnings for Trump

The first signs of trouble were evident even before the debate began. President Joe Biden, as he approached the stage, had a thin, raspy voice and displayed stiff movements. His greeting felt subdued, almost uncertain, as he acknowledged the audience with a simple, “Good to be here. Thank you.”

This initial moment foreshadowed a tumultuous evening ahead, culminating in a shift where Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to assume the top position on the Democratic ticket. Harris is gearing up for her own debate with Donald Trump, where she aims to carry forward the renewed energy among Democrats.

Trump recently expressed his readiness to face Harris after his encounter with Biden. In a conversation with a New Hampshire radio host, he remarked on Biden’s performance: “He was not good. I hope she’s not going to be good, too.”

Reflecting on the June 27 debate, it’s clear it carries vital lessons for Harris and stark warnings for Trump. While Trump presented moments of rambling incoherence, Biden’s frequent missteps overshadowed them.

The importance of optics during debates cannot be stressed enough. Since Richard Nixon’s defeat in the first televised debate against John F. Kennedy in 1960, political analysts have underscored how visual presentation affects perceptions. During the debate, Biden appeared pale and somewhat lost, occasionally gaping as Trump spoke.

Michael LaRosa, a former spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden, emphasized this shift in how debates are perceived: “This is an Instagram, Facebook, TikTok society. Visuals matter.”

Harris must present herself with composure consistently. As a less recognizable figure compared to Trump, her reactions to his comments will carry significant weight. The public is still forming opinions on Harris, adding pressure to her performance.

Biden himself faced significant challenges articulating his points clearly or launching effective attacks against Trump. When asked about economic policies, Biden wandered off track, discussing investments in education and social services contingent on raising taxes on the wealthy. However, he lost his train of thought, concluding with an inexplicable comment about having “finally beat Medicare.”

Jake Tapper, one of the moderators, acknowledged the end of his time, leaving Biden looking bewildered at his own words. Trump seized this moment, responding, “He beat it to death. And he’s destroying Medicare.”

As the debate shifted to the topic of abortion, a crucial issue following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, Trump’s answer was both evasive and misleading, claiming that eliminating the national right to abortion was widely sought. He claimed, “Every legal scholar, throughout the world, the most respected, wanted it brought back to the states. I did that.”

Biden’s reaction started off strong when he said, “It’s been a terrible thing what you’ve done,” dismissing any notion of consensus regarding the removal of Roe v. Wade as “ridiculous.” He drew an analogy to civil rights, arguing against the idea of leaving such matters to the states.

However, his response took an unexpected turn when he veered into discussions about crime related to migration, unexpectedly linking it to abortion. His message became convoluted as he referred to cases of women being raped within their families, which detracted from the urgency of the abortion discussion.

Democratic strategist Paul Begala remarked on Biden’s approach, describing it as bizarre and demonstrating a lack of focus on his strongest argument—abortion.

As the debate unfolded, panic emerged among Democratic strategists. Begala shared that messages flooded his phone from concerned strategists, expressing fears that Biden’s performance might spell disaster.

Trump seized on Biden’s fumbling, mocking him about his lack of clarity, emphasizing his greater command of the discussion. Throughout the debate, the White House attributed Biden’s struggles to a cold and adjustment difficulties due to recent travel. Yet, doubts about his fitness for the presidency were renewed.

Harris, set to turn 60 soon, represents a generational shift, especially in contrast to Trump, who is 78. Her relative youth could prove advantageous as voters weigh their options.

Debates typically reveal vulnerabilities, and Trump’s confrontational style may backfire. His tendency to stray into hyperbole could undermine his message when faced with a single opponent. Former President Bill Clinton offered guidance on handling Trump, suggesting that it’s essential to highlight his self-serving attitude rather than counting his inaccuracies.

Harris faces the challenge to sustain the momentum among Democrats and present a compelling case against Trump, especially as the political landscape continues to evolve.

Source: AP