A number of Democrats are concerned about U.S President, Joe Biden’s performance at the presidential debate.
Biden’s supporters wanted him to demonstrate strength on the debate stage but Biden did not meet their modest expectations.
One thing was glaringly clear: the difference in energy and coherence between the two candidates.
Weighing in on the debate, Vice President, Kamala Harris admitted that there was a “slow start but it was a strong finish.
She stated that what was witnessed during the debate was Biden making a very clear contrast with Donald Trump on all the issues that matter to the American people.
Asked if she’s concerned in wake of Biden’s debate performance, she repeated, “It was a slow start. That’s obvious to everyone.”
“I’m not going to debate that point. I’m talking about the choice in November. I’m talking about one of the most important elections in our collective lifetime.
“People can debate on style points, but ultimately, this election and who is the president of the United States has to be about substance and the contrast is clear.”
Kamala Harris
Additionally, Kamala urged Americans to focus on what President Joe Biden has accomplished for the country during his time in office, not his performance on the debate stage.
“I’m talking about three-and-a-half years of performance in work that has been historic,” Harris iterated.
“What we had in Joe Biden is someone who wanted to have a debate based on facts, based on truths, and in Donald Trump, we have what we’ve come to expect, which is someone who is going to push lies and distract from the reality of the damage he has created and continues to create in our country.”
Kamala Harris
A number of Biden’s top surrogates also gave their takes on Biden’s performance
California Governor, Gavin Newsom told reporters that he was proud of Biden.
“Tonight I think Joe Biden not only asserted himself, he reminded people of his accomplishments and his vision for the future.”
Newsom said that “there shouldn’t be” panic in his party.
“I think it’s unhelpful. And I think it’s unnecessary. We’ve got to go in, we’ve got to keep our heads high. And as I say, we’ve got to have the back of this President.
“You don’t turn back because of one performance. What kind of party does that?”
Gavin Newsom
He continued defending Biden, saying, “This President has delivered. We need to deliver for him.”
Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia of California also called the debate “a clear contrast between a good man that we believe in that is going to win reelection and a con man, a criminal and a traitor to this country.”
Speaking at a Democratic watch party shortly after leaving the debate venue, Biden focused on Trump’s falsehoods.
“I can’t think of one thing he said that is true,” the U.S President told supporters.
“Look we’re going to beat this guy. We need to beat this guy and I need you in order to beat him.”
Joe Biden
Biden is expected to touch down in Raleigh, North Carolina, to be in place for a post-debate campaign rally on Friday afternoon.
After that, he will head to New York and New Jersey for campaign fundraisers.
Republicans Hail Trump’s Performance
Former Republican presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy stated that Trump “hands down” won the debate and may have even swayed independent voters.
He asserted that Trump showed more energy than Biden, whom he portrayed as vulnerable and unable potentially to finish his term, let alone win another.
Ramaswamy characterized Biden‘s ongoing presidency as a potential threat to national security for what he argued was showing weakness.
Also, House Majority Leader, Steve Scalise released a statement saying that Trump won the debate, while President Joe Biden “demonstrated he is not fit to be President.”
“President Trump is the only choice on November 5th. The future of our country is at stake,” Scalise’s statement read.
He emphasized that Trump “won the debate by delivering a strong and presidential performance, addressing how he will fix the massive economic and border problems Joe Biden created during three and a half years of failure.”
“President Trump emerges from the stage victorious,” political director James Blair wrote on X.
Trump’s aides are extremely happy about the former President’s performance.
Chris LaCivita, Trump’s senior adviser and co-campaign chief called it “the most lopsided win in debate history” and mocked the Biden campaign for saying the President had a cold.
LaCivita called the debate “added rocket fuel” for Trump’s upcoming visit to Virginia.
A state Trump has lost twice, LaCivita said, it’s now in play.
He said he thinks Minnesota, another state Trump has lost twice, could also be in play.
“We’re on offense, make no mistake about it,” LaCivita said.
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