With reactions pouring in from both sides of the political spectrum, concerns about Biden’s ability to lead have reached a fever pitch after last night’s 2024 presidential debate. Can Biden realistically steer the nation for another term?

Written By Donovan James // EEW Magazine

Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and President Biden participate in the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections at CNN's studios in Atlanta on June 27. (Photos: Getty/EEW)

God, help us.

The 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump has left viewers across the nation questioning the current state of leadership in America. President Biden's verbal missteps and apparent cognitive struggles were glaringly evident, sparking widespread concern about his capacity to govern effectively.

Broad Consensus on a Political Misstep

Reactions from both Democrats and Republicans indicate a rare moment of consensus: President Biden’s performance was a significant political blunder. CNN, the debate host, noted, Biden's performance ranks among the weakest since the inception of televised debates with Kennedy and Nixon in 1960. This sentiment was echoed by viewers nationwide, with many expressing disappointment and concern.

Diverse Reactions from Watch Parties

Viewers attending watch parties across the country largely agreed that the debate was one-sided. Some Democrats attempted to downplay the event’s significance, but others could not hide their disappointment. Rosalyn James, a Democrat from West Philadelphia, lamented, "Biden shouldn’t have been there tonight. The party is clearly in crisis." Trump supporters, meanwhile, highlighted the stark contrast in energy and coherence between the two candidates.

Communication Struggles

The debate itself yielded few new policy positions, but President Biden’s communication difficulties raised serious questions about his ability to lead the nation for another term. Latavia Pickens, a former Biden supporter, voiced her concerns: "I cannot in good conscience vote for him again. Biden needs to step down. There's no way he can serve another four years."

Despite Trump’s own controversies, some Democrats admitted they could no longer support President Biden due to concerns about his mental acuity. However, others continued to back Biden, driven by their opposition to Trump’s "dishonesty" and divisiveness. Agnus Owens, a debate watcher from Alabama, told EEW, "I am voting for Biden regardless. There is no way I am casting my vote for a convicted criminal who never tells the truth about anything!"

Trump’s Controversies Still a Factor

The lack of forthrightness from Trump remained a recurring theme among Biden supporters. Owens further noted, "I can’t forget about January 6th, Stormy Daniels, and his racist ways." Despite Biden’s faltering performance, the debate highlighted deep-seated concerns about Trump's character and past actions.

Absurd Exchanges on Stage

Though the candidates addressed significant issues such as the economy, immigration, and foreign policy, the debate took a surreal turn with arguments over golf handicaps dominating the discourse. Trump, who would be 82 at the end of a second term, boasted about his physical fitness and recent golf achievements. "To do that, you have to be quite smart, and you have to be able to hit the ball a long way," Trump said, claiming Biden "can’t hit a ball 50 yards."

Biden responded by touting his own golf skills. "I got my handicap, when I was vice president, down to six," Biden said, challenging Trump to a golf match—if Trump carried his own clubs. "Think you can do it?" Biden asked. According to the United States Golf Association, Biden’s handicap was last updated in July 2018 at 6.7, while Trump’s was 2.5, updated in June 2021.

A Disheartening Spectacle

The spectacle of two presidential candidates trading barbs over golf while the nation faces serious issues was disheartening for many viewers. Bethany Davis, a Detroit resident, remarked, "This whole thing was a joke. I couldn’t even finish watching that nonsense. I went to bed early feeling sick."

Both candidates have faced questions regarding their physical and mental fitness. In golf, a lower handicap signifies better skill, but last night, it was not Biden’s golf handicap that was under scrutiny. It was his apparent cognitive decline, manifesting in real-time, that left viewers questioning his fitness to lead.

A Troubling Reality

The debate underscored a troubling reality: the current political landscape is fraught with candidates whose ability to lead is increasingly under question. While Trump's controversies continue to haunt his campaign, Biden's evident mental decline cannot be ignored. As the nation heads towards the 2024 election, voters are left grappling with difficult choices, seeking leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern governance with clarity and competence.