The presidential debate on Thursday evening went especially poorly for President Biden, where it was almost unanimously agreed upon that former President Trump came out as the winner of the event. Biden’s performance, which has validated concerns surrounding his mental and physical health throughout his presidency, has Democrats scrambling.
Aside from footage of the debate, which showed Biden stumbling over words, freezing up mid-sentence, and generally appearing to lack vigor, an incident captured by cameras after the event has sparked additional concerns about the president’s physical state.
Upon the conclusion of the debate, Trump immediately exited to the side of the stage. However, Biden remained at the podium as First Lady Jill Biden approached him, having to help her husband walk down the steps of the debate stage in what appeared to be a slow, laborious shuffle.
Jill’s provision of assistance to Joe is not unwarranted either, as there have been many worrisome instances throughout his presidency where he has fallen in public. Such instances include falling on the stairs of Air Force One, his infamous falling off his bike on Rehoboth Beach, and tripping while on stage during a ceremony at the Air Force Academy.
The American Tribune reported on a post-debate ceremony President Biden attended with the First Lady where she applauded Joe for his performance, despite the pervasive opinion throughout the media that it was a poor showing.
Jill Biden praised her husband, stating, “Joe, you did such a great job. You answered every question. You knew all the facts.” She then asked the cheering crowd, “And what did Trump do?” to which everyone replied in unison, “Lied!”
President Biden addressed his performance during a stop on the campaign trail in Raleigh, North Carolina. He appeared much more lively and engaged than he was during the debate against Trump. The president conceded that he wasn’t as sharp as he used to be but maintained that he was fit for the job.
“I don’t the best debate as well as I used to, but I know what I do. Know.. I know how to tell the truth. I know … I know … I know right from wrong. I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. I know, like millions of Americans, know, when you get knocked down, you get back up. I give you my words as a Biden, I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul I can do this job, because, quite frankly, the stakes are too high, the stakes are too high,” he said.
Watch footage of Jill assisting Biden below:
Other Democrats agree with Biden that the stakes are too high in the upcoming presidential election. So much so that many are calling for him to set aside his re-election ambitions and be replaced with a more viable candidate who would have a better chance at defeating Trump. However, reports from the Biden campaign indicate that the incumbent will not step down.