The aftermath of President Joe Biden’s debate performance against Donald Trump has revealed a stark contrast in public perception and internal concerns within the White House. Externally, Biden’s debate performance was widely criticized for appearing lost and delivering meandering answers. This has fueled questions about his age and ability to serve effectively. Internally, while aides acknowledge occasional lapses, they generally view these as normal and not reflective of his overall capability.
The White House has meticulously managed aspects of Biden’s public appearances, from his sleep schedule to his engagements within certain time frames (10 am to 4 pm), when he is reportedly more engaged and coherent. This is aimed at presenting Biden at his best to the public.
Following the debate, there was a mix of reactions among Biden’s aides. Some projected calm, framing it as a bad night that could be overcome, while others, including donors and senior Democrats, expressed deeper concerns about his ability to handle another term.
Biden himself addressed his performance at a subsequent campaign rally, admitting to his shortcomings while emphasizing his resilience and experience. He received a positive response from the crowd, highlighting his ability to connect in a supportive environment.
Despite the setback, Biden’s team sees several months until the next critical stages of the election cycle to recover and rebuild momentum. The early timing of the debate was seen as an opportunity to address polling deficits against Trump, though the outcome has raised challenges that will need careful management moving forward.
https://x.com/FrankLuntz/status/1807044983960322283
