In less than ten minutes, Joe Biden’s performance in the presidential debate against Donald Trump took a nosedive. Trump’s early attacks were so impactful that questions about Biden’s viability as a candidate began to circulate almost immediately. The debate became an unequivocal disaster for Biden, characterized by disjointed answers and a strange, unfocused stare, suggesting that he was struggling not just with the debate, but possibly with life itself. This situation has caused significant alarm within the Democratic Party, leading some to question whether Biden should continue as the nominee.

Key Missteps:

1. Confusing Statements: About nine minutes in, Biden attempted to discuss his plan to tax the ultra-rich but ended up delivering an incoherent mix of topics, including COVID-19. This gaffe, followed by a lengthy pause, turned what could have been a minor stumble into a major fall.
2. Raspy and Weak Voice: Biden’s voice sounded hoarse, reportedly due to a cold, which only compounded the perception of low energy. His speech was frequently disjointed and marked by factual errors, such as misstating the number of billionaires and tax percentages.
3. Physical Appearance: Biden’s gait and overall demeanor raised concerns about his age and vitality. His movements appeared stiff and labored, reinforcing worries about his physical and cognitive abilities to handle the presidency.

Damaging Moments:

• Struggle with Basic Facts: Biden made several factual errors, such as misstating the number of billionaires in America and getting confused about tax figures. These errors, although small individually, collectively undermined his credibility.
• Lost Train of Thought: Biden frequently lost his train of thought, particularly when discussing Medicare and border policies. These lapses created an impression of cognitive decline, adding to existing concerns about his age.

Trump’s Performance:

• Rhetorical Strategy: Trump largely avoided directly answering questions, instead repeating his talking points and often lying or making up facts when faced with inconvenient truths. This approach, while lacking in substance, made him appear more confident and in control compared to Biden.
• Non-Traditional Prep: Unlike Biden, who spent a week preparing at Camp David, Trump relied on rallies and interviews, which seemed to suit his combative style and maintain his usual level of confidence.

Overall Impression:

• Biden’s Weakness: Biden’s performance did nothing to dispel concerns about his age and mental acuity. His frequent loss of train of thought and inability to clearly articulate a case for his presidency were glaring issues.
• Trump’s Consistency: Despite often being factually inaccurate, Trump’s approach showed a consistency and confidence that Biden lacked.

Conclusion: Biden’s debate performance has intensified doubts about his candidacy within the Democratic Party. His age, physical appearance, and cognitive struggles were on full display, creating a stark contrast with Trump’s aggressive and confident, albeit factually dubious, approach. With the election approaching, these factors could significantly impact Biden’s chances of securing a second term. The Democratic Party may need to reassess its strategy and consider whether Biden remains the best candidate to challenge Trump.