Biden and Trump debated for 90 minutes, with both candidates deciding to forgo the traditional structure determined by the Commission on Presidential Debates and instead adhere to mutually agreed upon rules and conditions.
The evening ended with both sides of the aisle concerned about the future of the presidency.
Biden’s unsteady performance, characterized by a stammering voice and appearing to lose his train of thought, led to Democrats discussing replacing him on the ballot. With less than five months until the election, lawmakers on the left are concerned with Biden’s vitality heading into a potential second term.
David Axelrod, a longtime advisor to former President Barack Obama, said, “…I think you’re going to hear discussions that, I don’t know will lead to anything, but there are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.” Andrew Yang, a candidate for the presidency in 2020, tweeted that Democrats should nominate someone else before it’s too late.
Guys, the Dems should nominate someone else – before it’s too late. #swapJoeout
— Andrew Yang🧢⬆️🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) June 28, 2024
Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade with Trump’s conservative appointments to the Supreme Court, abortion was a notable issue for Trump during the debate. Trump has faced criticism from Republicans for not taking a firm stance against abortion last night. He stressed that he supports abortion as an option in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother. During the debate, he said, “The Supreme Court just approved the abortion pill. I agree with their decision to have done that. I will not block it.”
Media coverage after the debate has been more heavily focused on Biden’s performance, as many agree that he failed at his chance to prove to the American people that he is of sound mind for a second term.
Following the debate, analysis revealed that Trump is polling at an improved 59.7 percent while Biden’s chances to win the election plummeted with his debate performance.
