A Brutally Honest Debate Reaction | Pod Save America

Joe Biden turns in a disastrous debate performance, missing an opportunity to take advantage of Donald Trump's (many) lies and unhinged moments, and sowing real doubt about his strength as a candidate over the long run. Jon, Lovett, Tommy, and Dan discuss what went wrong and what might happen now.
Our book Democracy or Else is out now! Get your copy at bit.ly/491j0oc. Profits support Vote Save America and 2024 campaigns.
Want Pod Save America ad-free? Subscribe to Friends of the Pod: crooked.com/friends
See Pod Save America Live on the Democracy or Else Tour! Get tickets at bit.ly/43lz6YO
Subscribe to our channel! kzbin.info?...
Crooked believes that we need a better conversation about politics, culture, and the world around us-one that doesn’t just focus on what’s broken, but what we can do to fix it. At a time when it’s increasingly easy to feel cynical or hopeless, former Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor have created a place where people can have sane conversations that inform, entertain, and inspire action. In 2017 they started Crooked with Pod Save America-a no-bullshit conversation about politics. Since then, we continue to add shows, voices, and opportunities for activism, because it’s up to all of us to do our part to build a better world. That’s it. End of mission.
Learn more about Crooked at www.crooked.com
Follow the pod on Twitter / podsaveamerica
Follow Crooked on Facebook / crookedmedia
Follow Crooked on Instagram / crookedmedia
#podsaveamerica #trump #biden

[@samotheba]

The people who say "still voting for Biden" are not the people Biden needed to convince.

[@checkoutmyyoutubepage]

You got that right.

[@vernonfrance2974]

We cannot rely on Biden winning. However, Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures. We cannot have two Californians running on the same ticket. We need to replace Harris too, with someone like Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, who was inaugurated on January 1, 2019, as Michigan's 49th governor. She was re-elected to serve a second term in 2022. This would help get votes from other Midwestern states as well.

[@jameshill4900]

It's mind blowing to me. Take a step back and look at polls even before the debate and what effect this disaster will have to trying to change that. I can't understand the denial.

[@Jaypocalypse]

​@@vernonfrance2974 yall should've done that way sooner 😂😂 there's no way a replacement this late who no one voted for in their primary win an election. Maybe you guys should try realistic solutions instead of narrative framing and coping everytime something happened making Joe look old.

[@travishindman9362]

​@@vernonfrance2974nah the ticket needs to be Midwesterners only. Whitmer/ Pritzker is my ticket.

[@trautzz3234]

Watching this debate felt like watching the 2016 election results come in live.

[@beautybydesign-mylifemyvoi6120]

I agree

[@hhholly]

Do you feel “cheated” 😂 this is karma. Get over it. 😅

[@blancamargarita8640]

It was almost as painful

[@SaugusDudley]

@@hhhollyRussia lovely this time of year, hope your son didn’t suffer much when he died in Ukraine.

[@VinceG18]

please let Trump win. it’s the republics only hope.

[@terrenceready9786]

Biden was terrible

[@NauerBauer]

Horrendous. Nobody wants a physically and mentally decryptic leader

[@justatiger6268]

That's putting it mildly.

[@Buttercup697]

Trump was worse.

[@SandyMaltese]

Biden was sick, he should have rescheduled.

[@Austin-zq1oc]

I'm sorry but anyone who watched that and thinks Trump was worse than Biden is certified delusional and their vote wasn't up for grabs. The point of a debate is to win the confidence of undecided voters. Biden blew it.

[@megvinnacombe7181]

This country has 255 million adult people in it. There’s no way these two are the best we have.

[@jeanjones1846]

Many people want this job, but FEW can do the job. Joe Biden has never had a job in his life other than politics. You get a pay check regardless of your accomplishments. Biden has never ran a hot dog stand. He knows NOTHING about business and he was a lousy senator ... Delaware is one of the smallest states we have. He was lousy at his job then and he's lousy now! Whats the problem America? Get this guy gone!

[@e.d.h5533]

You are correct. Only Biden is the best we have. He will continue in the right direction, and his administration is equipped to carry on if we lose him before his term ends.

[@PAN77769]

Kamala is the best for us all!

[@messmeister92]

The problem is that the undecided voters either don’t understand or don’t care about Trump’s lies on the face of it. If they did, they wouldn’t be undecided. Biden’s performance was SO BAD that it completely distracts from Trump’s faults. Most Americans are simple-minded when it comes to voting, and therefore performance is more important than substance.

[@jodie3339]

💯

[@candicefraser6346]

And that is real problem in this country, reality "show" over reality.

[@vernonfrance2974]

@messmeister92 Exactly! We cannot rely on Biden winning. However, Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures. We cannot have two Californians running on the same ticket. We need to replace Harris too, with someone like Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, who was inaugurated on January 1, 2019, as Michigan's 49th governor. She was re-elected to serve a second term in 2022. This would help get votes from other Midwestern states as well.

[@jeffmaehre7150]

That's the whole point of his lies. He knows his idiot followers will believe every word he says. He cashed in by realizing how ignorant people are and how dumb they are.

[@bretthenning3419]

@@vernonfrance2974 same comment another thread. i guess all i see in in some of these independent liberal channels is bots applauding biden

[@namingisdifficult408]

This has to be the most sobering moment for the Democratic Party since 2016.

[@frankbrenner4852]

Because 2024 is going to be 2016 all over again.

[@keeledover4218]

Yes this channel and every democrat on this page have to face the lies they have swallowed from Biden

[@JoanneFinneganvt]

Unfortunately, the Dems have never learned. I'm an independent and have voted Dem for a couple decades because the other choices are so bad. I will vote against Trump no matter what. But the Dems are just too cocky and don't pay attention to those who are not in their party. They need to wake up before our country goes down.

[@red_panda4282]

I think a lot of us already saw it.. no one was listening.

[@NerfThisBoardGames]

Clearly we need to go older guys, it's the only solution

[@SilkCrown]

This podcast had multiple episodes just a couple months ago scolding people like Ezra Klein for talking about the age related issues Biden is having, and promised that everyone who personally interacts with Biden says that Biden is in tip top condition.

[@rusty4265]

What do you expect from Obamaworld Dems? They even said here Biden is an 'excellent President' and a 'good man'. What a joke.

[@annepoler4710]

Exactly. They don't even offer humility about their wrongness

[@user-wz8ru6hs2f]

The panel is a disgrace

[@nikig2382]

I seriously doubt that they ever insinuated that Biden was in perfect condition, but even if they did, then I don’t know what you’re getting at. If they were relaying what they heard as you said, that means they got bad info. It happens. But they were right to scold considering that Biden seemed relatively fine at the SOTU and never appeared *this* bad before. IIRC, Ezra Klein also seemed unprofessional at times in the particular examples pointed to (i.e. choosing instances that were embarrassing more than they were concerning).

[@naylas3908]

They know him personally, ffs! They didn’t lie. We all saw how powerful Biden was at the State of the Union, too. These comments are utter BS

[@mccluremetalworks4214]

Jill Biden talked to Joe like he was a damn child in kindergarten!

[@WayneLeng]

It does appear that way.

[@MarioJaker]

A sincere thank you to the PSA boys for not shrinking back and expressing what we’re all feeling. This is the pod we needed

[@vernonfrance2974]

But now we cannot rely on Biden winning. However, Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures. We cannot have two Californians running on the same ticket. We need to replace her with someone like Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, who was inaugurated on January 1, 2019, as Michigan's 49th governor. She was re-elected to serve a second term in 2022.

[@gigabix]

@@vernonfrance2974 Spamming this won't make it any more plausible.

[@ryanheffernon705]

We needed it in December. They have shrunk back for months.

[@kah-vl8ti]

Where tf have you all been? You allowed yourself to be gaslit for 3 years?!

[@MarioJaker]

@@kah-vl8ti “allowed yourself to be gaslit” is, ironically, gaslighting! We’ve been here all along. But libs shamed and downvoted anyone saying nominating Biden was a bad idea

[@erinthesystem9608]

I'm not frightened by the prospect of a President Harris, but I am frightened about Project 2025 (and our current SCOTUS). If the choice is between an elderly president and instituting a totalitarian regime, the right choice should still be obvious to us.

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

Totalitarianism requires disarmament. Which party seeks to disarm law abiding citizens again?

[@carolynmingo6157]

​@@anonymousanonymous8306I will never vote for a dictator and men that brag about grabbing women by their P........

[@lisal9829]

@@anonymousanonymous8306 STFU. Shame on you for the lie.

[@sk___4206]

​@@anonymousanonymous8306stupid argument. If you want to overthrow the government, guns won't stop airstrikes. It's 2024, fascist regimes need well armed militias to help them overthrow the government and that's the Republicans

[@Dawsinderu]

And what totalitarian laws did trump put into effect

[@dan8375]

I had a difficult time watching the debate. My concern is not Joe Biden's age it is rather how fast he's aging now

[@abr66]

It turns out your sword is a banana - you are about to fight a gladiator - do you replace your trusted old sword for a new unknown sword or do you keep fighting with a banana ?

[@trekkiejunk]

That's a terrible analogy.

[@russellwortham2902]

Thank you for not sugarcoating the debate.

[@mariagil7121]

It’s sad, but still voting for an honest person instead of a treacherous pathological liar, traitor and convicted felon 💙🙏

[@Bat_Boy]

No way can I vote for Trump, convicted felon. Hard pass. That's all I know.

[@theboller4154]

Every one of our founding fathers were felons. So I'd say Trump is in good company.

[@russcarvertruthjedi259]

I will do the same because I love my children and grandchildren, because I love my country and I know that Biden is a far far better human being and leader than anyone who has ever been a conservative

[@9000ck]

Yes, you and I are voting blue no matter who. To beat trump you need the votes of undecided voters in swing states. Not a single one of them would have been convinced by Biden in that debate. He did not call out trump's non stop lying with vigor, he communicated his record poorly and lacked strength, charisma and a strong narrative. He needs to step aside with dignity for a democratic candidate in their 50s or 60s.

[@lanuiiohu]

Cheater Biden = 15 million illegals, $3 gasoline & Inflation

[@devilsnight666]

Thank you for being honest. So sick of people pretending I didn’t see what I saw. So insulting.

[@vbrenes31]

Id encourage you to see what Biden sums up america, in one word “asufutimaehaehfutbw”

[@TheAustrianPainter87]

It's cheap fake

[@robertpastor4061]

What did you see? I saw dementia

[@robertpastor4061]

​@@vbrenes31..I like your opinion...NOT your spelling...It's spelled Futafabbitta-vita vitamin

[@msvulcanspock]

He blew it. No doubt about it. So did Trump where's the media demands for him to step down?

[@adriennelaf5083]

As a lifelong democrat I can only hope Bobby Kennedy wins, because I no longer trust the party to choose my candidate after they wouldnt allow a fair primary. l felt betrayed by how they treated Bernie, I saw Bidens decline back 4 years ago, but the how the DNC handled the primaries lost my loyalty.

[@TheBestMCScavenger]

We aren’t over reacting. We got told for months that Joe Biden isn’t too old and then he does this in the biggest night of the campaign (so far)

[@direwolf6234]

the pod guys have been gaslighting us ...

[@tisha954]

One bad debate didn't make him turn 81yo. The world know his age because the media talk about it every hour of every day.

[@quelizabeth2]

He’s a human! He’s allowed to have ONE bad night! Look at his record! Look at what he’s done for our country. Trump is a CONVICTED FELON! That is way more disqualifying than Biden, having a bad night! Give me a break!

[@user-zo5pg6db1h]

@@direwolf6234absolutely this. This podcast ignoring Biden’s shortcomings for months. I mean I get why, but acting like this is shocking is weird.

[@laurielamoore2941]

Of course the goal is to beat Trump and it’s true that Biden did! But this debate honestly worries Me about if He can do it again even with all the convictions and indictments! It should be easy to do but this debate was a logical reason to be concerned about that. Jamie Harrison? Any thoughts?

[@peggysmyth6110]

It wasn't a debate, it was a train wreck .

[@CardboardBots]

Time for Joe to retire.

[@gerardvandermeulen62]

Democrate spokespeople saying "Biden won" are not fooling anyone, please do not do that, it is so counterproductive...

[@rarefruit2320]

If I was Russia I would make a move right now 😂

[@skylark1250]

For both sides the debate was the wrong venue because all it did was emphasize the major problems for both candidates. Time for open conventions for both.

[@skylark1250]

For both sides the debate was the wrong venue because all it did was emphasize the major problems for both candidates. Time for open conventions for both.

[@No-uw3ry]

Threat to democracy? What democracy? The democracy where superdelegates pick the candidate? The endless gerrymandering competition? The donor class selecting the candidates you get to vote for? The apportionment and electoral college? The two parties colluding to eliminate third parties? There is no path back to sobriety other than going through serious damage.

[@adamanonymous6885]

"I didn't come away from this debate wondering if Biden can still do the job of president" You didn't? My brother in Christ, I came away from this debate wondering if Biden can still do the job of tying his own shoelaces!

[@rob8273]

Seriously. I don't want him in office one more hour, let alone 4 more years. He has dementia. Its obvious now, and it was hidden from the American people. All our enemies are right now trying to figure out how to exploit us. I'll liberal and not a crazy trumpster... so if I am saying this, we are fucked.

[@olemichelsen8860]

From Norway here. I'm as shocked and terrified as everyone else of this horrible performance. What has to happen is a thorought effort trying to get Biden to step down. If he does, agree on one candidate, no internal fighting for "your" candidate. You need to have a united front backing whatever candidate you can find. If Biden refuses to back down, everyone has to unite behind him, like it or not. And then we hope for the best. For democracy, the US and world peace.

[@SpeccyHorace]

UK here, so also an outsider. I completely agree with you, he surely has to go.

[@Elizabeth-f7p]

Joe will win in November. He wasn't feeling well. Watch his State of the Union. Trump was on drugs and lied throughout the debate. He answered no questions. He's a traitor.

[@womanofmystery24]

That is a formula for Trump winning. Not once since the start of the 20th century has an incumbent president been seriously challenged from inside his own party (sadly, always his) and gone on to win the election. Never. Biden had a bad night, but he has been a PHENOMENAL president. Do you fire a top athlete because of one bad game?

[@zalez182]

the DNC's strategy is to push him into his death, ultimately making Kamala president. They realize Kamala won't win in an election after their disastrous attempt at running Hilary

[@vernonfrance2974]

But now we cannot rely on Biden winning. However, Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures. We cannot have two Californians running on the same ticket. We need to replace her with someone like Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, who was inaugurated on January 1, 2019, as Michigan's 49th governor. She was re-elected to serve a second term in 2022.

[@pattishome6285]

This debate broke my heart. And i can tell this was a difficult podcast for all of you, but i applaud you for having this conversation. We HAVE to address where we go from here,💙

[@kluv7139]

I'm going Blue

[@pmclaughlin4111]

Mythoughts...broken heart

[@Shartlyfartly]

The fact that you seem shocked is a testament to your stupidity

[@iba001]

These clowns were happy to shout down anyone who raised concerns about this over the years, they don't deserve your sympathy

[@firefield28]

Hubris. It was really obvious to everyone that Biden should have stuck to one term. But, oh no, 2nd term, 2nd term...

[@chineloanikpe9554]

The question was about "child care" but they are both focused on golf😂 and who can carry their own golf bag, they are practically debating which one of them is older😂😂😂

[@hihowareyouhihowareyou3688]

😊

[@duanebidoux6087]

As an old person, I am constantly amazed at the ego of people who simply can't step aside for younger people when it is in the interest of the country.

[@billyponsonby]

Yes. Jill should take away is keys.

[@SmartSmears]

You cant talk about how existential a threat it is to democracy and then stay there and not let someone who can better convince people to stay with the dems take over. It does truly feel selfish. I think a lot of people were earnestly assuming that Biden was stronger than the flubs let on and was waiting for today to be proof. After today, thats just not the case.

[@NiecyB]

After losing my dad at 86 in September I have been irritated at the age discrimination thing, as my dad was fine until COVID caused him to have a heart attack and being away from family increased his dementia Also as a 63 year old and my adult children suddenly treating me like I'm senile because I lost my husband 5 years ago, I resent the focus in" age"

[@kylecj221]

Right. If he cared about us at all he would step down

[@pamelaiken]

Who was going to run for president for the Democrats. I'm sure Biden would've stepped down or I'm not sure, but I would've hoped he would have if the candidates were somehow closely qualified.

[@NorthwestNicholas]

Older democrats need to start passing the baton, this is ridiculous. RBG, Diane Feinstein, and Biden stayed in politics way too long. There are so many more that need to start retiring.

[@jefff7287]

100%. We can talk about democracy all we want, but we have to remember that the best upholders of democracy are those that know we live in a society and others can and should rule. George Washington passed the baton, and our current batch needs to heed that lesson in humility for the greater good.

[@Cole205]

How do you not get what is actually going on. Younger dems are not *as* controlled by Zionist lobby. Therefore the imperial caste will hold on to their old, verified puppets as long as possible

[@bcfortenberry]

Younger people are more economically populist. Democratic donors can’t have that. They’ll run literal vampires first.

[@roscoemuttley]

They all do it, its so annoying. The lust for power has great pull, and the money is HUGE. This is why we need term limits on every government position, it forces them to 1 Retire, and 2 Choose a successor.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

Don’t forget Pelosi and Schumer. They need to go for their hand in this.

[@stacyzietz4615]

I am one of those despondent supporters, actually a little terrified! It's not that we had to watch him fret & falter at every comment Trump made or that he took the bait, stayed on defense instead of rising above or just dismissing his idiocy. Nor is it that he didn't say the right things, it's that he couldn't coherently say them! And this reveal comes after his blatant disregard for young college voters, who in all righteousness protested, along with leaders of our allies against Netanyahu criminal, cruel assault on innocent civilians. This was a missed opportunity to get back lost voters he really needs!! I fear Biden's ego, determination to prove himself instead of admitting reality might supersede his duty to put country first, above anyone, including himself. It's not if he knows he can do the job; it's, do the voters know if he can do the job.

[@jacc9061]

Democrats are in the process of trying to convince themselves this is recoverable. It’s not. The level of detachment necessary to walk into this debate as clueless as he was, let alone the obvious decrepitude is beyond defendable on any level. Joe has proven he’s done what I feared most: he’s put his own insane ego ahead of the needs of this country by even running. Somehow this is a fitting end to our county. The future under Trump will be brutal, ignorant, and deprived.

[@ruthreis6569]

To be honest, I couldn't watch more than 30 minutes. Biden was pale, his voice weak, and just not confidence inspiring. And Trump was repugnant. I'm so saddened by last night. And even more scared for us all. 😢

[@cecilbug]

Right there with you.

[@lauraholzler1417]

Jesus, same!

[@misterp158]

TDS still ailing you?

[@joep5917]

So are you scared of having a successful country again? If you think you are better off today than you were pre pandemic you are actually delusional or so entitled that you have never struggled a day in your life. I have 6 kids and when trump was president feeding and housing them was never an issue. I work my ass off and can barely make ends meet now. I don't know where everyone gets these stats like omg we are so strong like wtf world do you all live in because I want to come.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

Anyone could have rebut Trump. I certainly could. When the incumbent cannot, disaster is pending. How are we supposed to combat this as we proceed? Can’t sell Joe as the guy with better ideas. All you can say is he’s too inept to cause any problems.

[@nishadmarathe6827]

This is the worst debate performance I have ever seen. Trump is a pathological liar and gaslighter and no efforts were taken by the moderators or Biden to hold him accountable. This debate was an absolute nightmare.

[@premanadi]

Biden sort of tried. He said many, many times that everything Trump was saying was a lie. But he was not effective in countering those lies.

[@LeeMaiden]

It was disgusting that Tapper didn't call out convicted felon's constant lies.

[@direwolf6234]

@@LeeMaiden he broke the kelly 'loser' story and let it slide ....

[@vernonfrance2974]

True. But we cannot rely on Biden winning. However, Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures.

[@marlonbrando33]

The fact that you’ll expect moderators to argue in a debate shows how bias liberals are smh

[@curtisevans4100]

Love how the Pod has just now realized Biden would be 86 at the end of a second term. This has been staring us in the face for years.

[@kevina.countis6071]

This is the worst Presidential debate that any of us have seen in our entire lives

[@kubyoindiya3269]

it's pretty incoherent I'd say, like a circus to show which clown we like more to fk the American lives even more.

[@KingOfFvckingEverything]

What did you expect from Joe Biden? He was declining sharply before he was even elected in 2020. I just think it’s horrific and tragic. And the anti trump agenda being spread by these men should be critiqued by all their followers as they’re likely paid by DNC or some NGO’s. Wit(h paid internet farming bots, making it seem like they have many followers thinking like them, ro try and make Peoole feel less alone in their divided thoughts they have, what’s actually best for us and the country. Is it really worth it to see a what would have been a very propped up president Biden - IF he past the debate with flyun* colors? What’s that proof of? It’s not proof of anything. The fact that these men are fooling the naive listeners of such basic fast makes me a bit suspicious of their agenda, being actors. As DNC are known for paying for many people to create accounts, spread disinformation I can’t believe that people placed so much hope on a 1 1/2 hr debate. It’s shocking to me. He’s nit a Duracell bunny, the man is declining very fast. A debate doesn’t guarantee that he will run ruin better for the Mets four years, Don’t you think it’s been somewhat alarming with all the wars and Bidens decline in health, so each, behavior. That if he passes the debate, he will rock the nest four years. We are losing our country! Bu5 what People here must understand did the fact that Biden is NOT running USA, but Obama and a few more men behind the scenes. They’re just following through with Iva,as wet dream, which is radical left communism, with him as a ok’ing and super elites and all of us the slaves, owning nothing, Is this a future you want for yourself, your family and especially children? Please understand I’m nit attacking you, I woukd love to have a debate here how you for example think that Biden was a good president, how yo thought this debate would determine the outcome of Biden (maybe I’m reading your comment wrong), but since you are do,me tune in here, I assume you’re voting democrat Have a great weekend

[@grassfireu]

In my lifetime, I've heard establishment ear candy during debates. You actually believe politicians during your lifetime. Man, we are in trouble. The curtain lifts slowly for some, I guess.

[@vbrenes31]

What made it the “worst presidential debate”?

[@jeffrandolf5673]

It was THE BEST in my opinion. Why was it the worst?

[@casstippit766]

Dan’s body language when he isn’t talking is all of us right now.

[@direwolf6234]

don't worry he's still in the top 10% ...

[@kaychan4507]

Biiiiiiiig mood. Agreed.

[@rubenmendez2953]

WTF just happened?

[@shantshiroyan1]

I am crying of laughter.

[@VinceG18]

you mean we are all scrawny 🐈s?

[@sadusattack2628]

Since Kamala Harris is a heartbeat away from the presidency, the VP debate will now actually matter.

[@cappm4201]

She could be an incumbent candidate by sundown if Biden wanted it. Resign and endorse. Go home to the grandkids. End on a historic high note.

[@okeeydokeeey321]

Good think.she is young and smart. Maybe we will start getting our han rights back!💙

[@pattygioffre2366]

I believe Kamala Harris would do a great job as POTUS IF she won. Unfortunately, right now, her approval rating is even lower than Biden's. I'm at a loss because every road ahead looks beyond bleak 😢

[@direwolf6234]

harris didn't even make it to iowa .. you can bank on her losing ...

[@direwolf6234]

@@okeeydokeeey321 young smart and unlikeable ...

[@Imarida2]

HOST: Biden failed in every way at that debate... I dont know what else to say. EVERYONE: Maybe start calling for Biden to step down before the convention so someone that can actually win the election is running.

[@e.d.h5533]

No one else wants the job. Biden will keep steering the country in the right direction.

[@MISSYGful]

Not sure why everyone is so shocked? Many were saying this months if not years ago, going back to 2020 and were screamed at for being Trump enablers and apologists. Literally for having the same discussion you are having now. It's not like DNC were not forewarned, but they said they knew better. Well here we are.

[@Bibliotics]

I really wish when Trump was going on about his golf trophies that Biden would’ve responded with: “the American people did not tune in to listen to you brag about participation trophies you gave yourself on your own golf courses.”

[@9000ck]

that's the point. Biden didn't have the wherewithal to do that. Instead he mumbled something about his own golfing handicap. It was embarrassing for him.

[@Bibliotics]

@@9000ck Biden could solve the age problem by stating the truth. Which is that the Presidency is NOT about one man. It is about the people he will appoint to the thousands of positions in our government, saying something like: “look yeah I’m old, and while I’m no spring chicken, the truth is that this race is not about me. It is about what kind of government you want. Do you want a government stacked by my opponents cronies and kids, like he did last time? Or do you want a government that I appoint honest good people that will wake up everyday to serve the American people!” Bam age issue is addressed, while smacking Trump in the face.

[@direwolf6234]

shoulda wouda couda ..

[@jordanolsen26]

"I'm not here to talk about golf, I'm here to talk about how we can help American families." Hung a curve over the plate and he didn't just fail to hit it out of the park, he struck out.

[@spamsquirrel]

But having late stage dementia makes it hard to throw out zingers like that.

[@dg92808]

This “honest” conversation should have happened a year ago! Otherwise we would have not been in this mess!

[@raftguy1376]

It was discussed. By many many sources. It was snuffed out by the DNC. It was excused away. Now, at the 11th hour, the obvious has happened. We could have spent the last 3 years propping up new dems to take the spotlight. Instead they were discouraged from doing so by the fucking DNC.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

Exactly. I blame the top Dems who were more interested in keeping their positions and power than winning. And I blame Biden. The hubris he’s displayed ruins any good will I felt. He knows he’s inept, surely.

[@penabler]

Yup. I’m making the rounds saying, “I told you so.”

[@williammurray7268]

Biden's stare is not something we have seen much of before. His stare reminds me of the stare some people have in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's. It's not something a person can control by giving the "classic Biden smile" throughout the debate. My guess is that the stare will become more prevalent. It's certainly not going away, and he won't be able to fix it just by paying attention to how he looks on the split screen while Trump is speaking. If I'm right, we'll see it again during the next debate (if there is one).

[@DodgeDiaries]

He's been showing early signs of dementia for months now. I think more Democrats need to sift through his last few months of appearances for a bit of a reality check.

[@MoeDaMoe88]

His team failed him. He needed to keep answers short, sweet and informational. How tf is his team prepping him?

[@johnworthington9996]

Hi from over the pond. This is very sad and concerning. Joe is a patently decent person who is up against a collection of the worst human character flaws shoved into an orange skin bag. The fact he is now struggling is pretty depressing. I wish you all well in plotting a route out of this mess.

[@teresaparnham9780]

I'm 59 and desperately want the youth to step up and run for all levels of government and vote. People my age and older created this mess. My preferred ticket is Buttigieg/Abrams, but Biden is fine. He's old, sure, however he's a good president now and will continue to be. Because we are not a cult of personality, picking a new ticket in a few months would probably be disastrous. To be fair though, I would vote for a roasted chicken over agent orange.

[@zalez182]

it's astonishing to have seen the Prime Minister debates , which held much younger candidates that actually talked about modern issues, and then watch the US president debate... anyone who still thinks USA is great is an actual idiot

[@sandraspidle5972]

Thank you. 🇺🇸

[@lindahoover4925]

Yes - I’ll vote for a shriveled potato over a rotten one

[@spamsquirrel]

Are you so blinded by TDS that you missed the fact that Biden has late stage dementia? It's a horrible disease. I lost my father to it last year. I could tell back in 2020 that he had it.

[@ebert8756]

No matter how bad joe biden did, it doesnt change how awful the alternative is

[@stutzpunkt]

Then we need an alternative to the alternative. Biden cannot win

[@vernonfrance2974]

@ebert8756 We can't rely on him winning but Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures.

[@user-ym3nb5pt9r]

It really does!!

[@user-zo5pg6db1h]

That’s the point. So many people who would wipe the floor with Trump, the most hated man in the history of American politics.

[@gregolvrz94]

You know that's right

[@RiuniteOnIce69]

The idea that "sentient, coherent, honest, upright" is the bar...means I would make a better president than Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

[@BRyan-qk8qc]

Please talk about the new normal that we had to hear about a presidential candidate having to say” I did not have sex with a porn star “…….WTH is he doing on this stage is my question???

[@deweypyle696]

I remember a Democrat POTUS Bill Clinton lying and saying "I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman" about 24 years ago. And don't forget what the Kennedy Bros as POTUS, AG, and Senator did to a haram of women. FDR had a decades long affair with his mistress who was with him when he died. DJT is a choir-boy compared to these examples.

[@quietreason8679]

The worst part is that this performance was after a full week of preparation. How is Biden ever going to get through 4 months of travelling around the country, holding rallies, more debates, donor events, not to mention running the country at the same time?

[@premanadi]

Biden is very good at doing his job, at donor events, dealing with people one on one, in relaxed small group settings, and doing anything involving reading off a teleprompter - fully scripted, plus a few ad libs here and there.. He is incapable of producing spontaneous speech in a high pressure situation, like a debate, or a news conference. His brain and mouth just don't work fast enough in sync anymore. I guess he will avoid those things as much as possible. Or he'll step aside.

[@ayeeshahm9078]

He's currently doing that though, his ability to perform on a debate stage is abysmal but he's been a great president

[@quietreason8679]

​@@ayeeshahm9078 He has been a great president but the campaign trail is a different beast. Jon Favreau just brought up how a tired Biden delivered a poor performance during the recent event with Kimmel and Obama after having travelled to Europe for the D-Day memorial. If Biden is this tired this early in the campaign, I'm worried what toll a 4-month campaign schedule will do to him.

[@dianekuroda8513]

Biden needs to withdraw.

[@themasterofinfinity]

Or 4 more years if elected...

[@joelsommers]

I've been That Guy who dismissed all the democratic party pearl-clutching, especially after Biden's strong happy-warrior performance at the State of the Union. But ten minutes into tonight's abortion of a performance and my partner and I, alarmed, mouths agape, decided to turn the debate off. It was too painful. It was actually sickening. Suddenly every worst nightmare was hyper-real. Eventually we turned it back on. Biden was doing markedly better (but still not great). Imagine how many millions of voters stopped watching, never turned it back on, and internalized that Joe Biden is just too feeble to make it to the election, never mind the next four years. Hell, I'm wondering the same thing. I love Biden's presidency. I was legit excited to vote for him again. But time is so short now. It's almost July. In a normal timeline, replacing an incumbent president this close to the election would be hysterically, logistically Herculean. It would throw everything into disarray, possibly handing Trump a victory. A nail in the country's coffin. But nothing has been normal for years now. And I'm suddenly convinced that Biden must step aside and preside over an orderly nominating convention, because as insanely risky as that would be, it no longer seems more fraught than letting Biden remain our nominee. Everyone close to the first couple should relentlessly hammer Jill Biden into getting Joe to step aside. His legacy will either be lionized for an unimaginably selfless gesture that saves the country, or for ignominiously making a selfish, egotistical choice that leads to the literal end of the greatest democracy in the history of the world.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

You and your partner sound like fun guys! Your post was peppered with words like "hammer", "abortion", "mouths agape" "clutching" and so on! Glad you two had a hot debate party!!!

[@debbydeberardinis8221]

Judged by 1 hour of your life wow

[@womanofmystery24]

If he steps aside, Trump wins. Period.

[@modo101]

Well said.

[@ToninoBSalvetti]

I did and felt the same. We have to do something?, Let's hope all Democrats and others who don't want Trump to destroy our country find a way.

[@violettownmicroenterprises1528]

Who's going to be the new guy ? At this moment it feels like millions of Americans and billions of other global citizens are all standing on the edge of a black hole, wondering, debating... what the best way to fall into it might be.

[@WinstonAC]

Trump was measured, and allowed Biden to speak which was ultimately his undoing.

[@karliecolangelo4484]

I really appreciate the candor here. I've never seen this group so shaken.

[@camelot544]

Yeah its rough

[@sheeshshoot123]

I do too, but it’s too little, too late. This candor should have been happening all along.

[@NerfThisBoardGames]

@@sheeshshoot123 the data doesn't really line up with that. Remember the state of the union, where he did so well he was accused of doping with everything from Adderall to Cocaine. Back in reality, I think Gaza hit Bidens body hard, his movements comparison now to 8 months ago. He's definitely declining with his mobility.

[@mjinba07]

@@sheeshshoot123 Their job is to support the candidate. They weren't wrong here, that the candor needs to be with Biden's advisors.

[@rayortega4831]

Me too, however, I think given his performance this morning at his Rally at North Carolina and I'm tending to like it's a premature over-reaction. Last night was hard and it was hard because he didn't look or sound like that at the State of Union and his Rallies up to that point were doing well. This morning his energy and voice were a huge improvement compared to last night and the assertiveness in his voice was on par with the State of The Union. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3WuenyCgsqNnM0 Fast forward to when he and Jill Biden are speaking. It gave me some hope. Yes he was using a teleprompter, but he sounded much better. We have time and he'll do better if the 2nd debate happens. The other choice is just to dangerous for our country.

[@CedarSnack]

For years and years, we have berated and shamed Republicans for not having the courage or conviction to stand up and stop Trump. Now we need Democrats to do that. For the love of god. Joe’s ego is not what needs protection here.

[@Tanktaco]

Good point.

[@HZ-fg9sf]

Exactly all this because of one person's ego. I like the guy but this is his time to step aside. Not worth the risk just for someone's pride.

[@bmart13586]

Enoughs enough, I'm sick of them trying to force Biden on us. A lot of people have egg on their face.

[@bcfortenberry]

It’s RBG all over again.

[@Br0nto5aurus]

I don't think people are worried about Biden's ego, they're worried that trying to elevate a new candidate just a few months before the election will not be successful, causing Democrats to lose the White House. What candidate has the name recognition Biden has?

[@leehouten2345]

Surely the more important message is that the other guy is the one who should drop out of the race given his danger to not only the country and democracy but world stability

[@blangtube]

I never knew how delusional these people are. Now I understand a bit more. Jesus we are in trouble if these people are this delusional

[@JenniferTakes]

Yes. They would rather elect an old sack of potatoes propped up by Obama who is really running things.

[@josephprice4095]

The true loser of this debate was the American people. The fact that these two are the candidates speaks volumes about how far our nation has fallen from greatness. Even if one of them wins, unless the control both houses of government it will be 4 years of nothing getting done for either of them.

[@NJames-dh6kz]

Four years of nothing getting done is the best case scenario that could come out of this.

[@dreamzofhorses]

Better than overthrowing the constitution and electing Trump King for endless terms like his friends Putin and Xi.

[@spotable2]

Who would have thought it...we all thought the biggest threat to democracy was the weapons of Russia and China... when in fact its a corrupt and lying orange colored, gloried landlord.

[@radiofreecanada]

On behalf of free people around the world, I would point out that we also lost this debate, and by the time we're done, possibly by a lot more.

[@NiecyB]

I think we were mislead about Biden for too long by those that k rw the truth. Now I am terified

[@philosophicalphoenix369]

I couldn’t sleep last night because I can’t stop panicking. The panic attack started when Biden completely failed to answer trump’s outrageous repetition of the slander that democrats regularly commit INFANTICIDE as part of abortion. When you let someone make an accusation that flamboyant without addressing it whatsoever, you end up looking very suspicious. Thank you guys for being honest and expressing the real terror I feel after that appalling catastrophe of a debate

[@thisgirllovesmetal]

Same! The first thought anytime I woke up last night was “Oh my god, what are we (those terrified of Trump tyranny) going to do now?” And I woke up after dreaming of the poor debate performance. 😔

[@00SmileTime00]

Congratulations on reaching the point you should have 5 years ago.

[@exist2rebel152]

Be advised if Trump is leading in polls or it's tight going into election HE WILL WIN. Felonies & all. Dems should have mutinied 2yrs ago & force Biden not run. It's too late now.

[@jamessullivan4391]

Then take a Benzodiazepine for your panic attack. In the meantime, I’m voting Trump.

[@1237barca]

Biden had obvious dementia the last time you voted for him. Loook into your own eyes in the mirror for a minute and acknowledge you are not a competent mind worthy of voting.

[@mjl9002]

Biden's debate-prep team blew it big time. He was not well-rested and alert - and was so over-coached, he could hardly remember any of their complex talking points they tried to cram into him. This stage was his one best chance to show vigor and leadership qualities. He didn't - and I blame his prep team for lying to him and to themselves

[@cassandratq9301]

The biggest political failure in American history after the Hillary Clinton campaign.

[@Connor8609]

Debate prep did not do this , age did. This is just looking for another excuse to pass the blame. Prep doesn't make you ramble incoherently about illegal immigrants murdering women when you were initially making a point on abortion.

[@desertbat4943]

Biden hasn't been able to string a sentence together for years now....why was the debate such a shocker?

[@cooliipie]

The media lied to Dems, leading them on to think he was actually okay

[@User_me_1509]

Difference is: stuttering (before)vs. cognitively impaired (now).

[@thomasfischer9259]

@@User_me_1509 lol cope

[@soberanisfam1323]

@@User_me_1509the latter has been true for years

[@richardsutherland1645]

​@@User_me_1509no it was always cognitive decline lmao.. the stutter thing was cope from liberals.. just like the "he has a cold" thing is now

[@seanobrien9849]

“Best thing Biden did was schedule the debate before the convention“ this.

[@stephend2035]

Wishing America good luck from Scotland. Really hope you guys can sort out your circus.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

We got it, Thanks Scottie! Save America Deport Every Illegal Trump 2024

[@ginnyweatherbee7941]

Seems like we’re going to slide back to 2016 and elect a clown

[@alejandrocastillo9209]

Do you guys have room for one American? ✋

[@daynajones8180]

As an American, we are a bunch of idiots . I have zero confidence in my Democratic party if they are whining about this debate as if this was the worst thing ever.

[@daynajones8180]

​@imperialmotoring3789 Illegals are far better than MAGAS

[@richardsharpe54]

I work with a lot of swing voters and all of them young and old think that the debate disqualified Joe Biden. I love Joe. Think he is and will be a great president, but he just made himself unelectable. He needs to step down.

[@TheAustrianPainter87]

This guy's negotiating with dictators😅 Embarrassing

[@Mary-oc5ns]

The non-exchange about making child care more affordable only hammered home the fact that our country is transferring resources to the old away from our young people

[@Distortion0]

All of the people who didn't push for primary debates are responsible for this right now.

[@MerrittLS]

Yeah, you are probably correct. Though in at least my opinion he killed it at the State of the Union address. I have to wonder if this was a bad, very off night or what

[@ericsophiea6481]

Yep! Exactly true.

[@Jaypocalypse]

Biden won handedly even as a write in campaign. A majority of democrats are to blame and they don't take part in YT comments so sorry they won't read you.

[@Jaypocalypse]

Biden won handedly even as a write in campaign. A majority of democrats are to blame and they don't take part in YT comments so sorry they won't read you.

[@gabs7506]

Why?

[@jessamineprice5803]

I love Joe Biden and I had to turn off the debate last night bc it was heart-breaking to watch. Thanks PSA for just helping me process.

[@rafaelbastos8013]

Exactly how I feel 😞

[@endcorruptio]

A decent person? Perpetrating a genocide is evil. Accomplished a whole lot? For the conniving corporate-freeloader class he accomplished a whole lot, at the expense of rhe masses(who create all of the wealth)

[@jlpowell51]

How young do you have to be to ignore Biden's history in Congress when gushing about how wonderful a person he is?

[@rosegarden3686]

This is another Ruth Bader Ginsberg moment

[@makingsenseofitall1422]

yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Buncklechuckster]

Yea she’s burning in hell rn

[@Synodalian]

RBG + Hillary Clinton combined. If the Democratic Party does not learn from this, they (and the rest of us) are _done._

[@bonniejosavland3227]

@@Synodalianyep good god why have debate with a lying felon in the first place!😮

[@climbsolo]

At least RBG didn’t have her finger on the button. This guy is starting wars everywhere at once. You should be very concerned.

[@jwroberts548]

He promised to be a bridge President--last night showed he should have kept his promise

[@vernonfrance2974]

@jwroberts548 Exactly. He stuck his finger in the dike and stopped the catastrophe. Now, however. We don't have to accept this as a fait accompli. We don't have to take this lying down. We cannot rely on Biden winning. However, Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures. We cannot have two Californians running on the same ticket. We need to replace Harris too, with someone like Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, who was inaugurated on January 1, 2019, as Michigan's 49th governor. She was re-elected to serve a second term in 2022. This would help get votes from other Midwestern states as well.

[@catpaladin1]

It’s the party’s fault. Biden didn’t want the 2nd term. The Party foolishly didn’t bring up another set (P, VP) in the 4 years they had

[@macareuxmoine]

Us being so disillusioned about anyone keeping their word shows the situation we’re in.

[@DamienPalmer]

**The Dali Container Ship has entered the chat**

[@christofjork8446]

After the debate he needed to be guided down the stairs by his wife, for gods sake.

[@complimentgame]

Whoever on the Biden campaign thought it was a good idea to have thos debate before trump was sentenced should be fired! 🤦

[@sumpoosieguy]

This was the plan. Why did he campaign from the basement last time?? They knew this 3 years ago. But it's the only plan they have.. There other super duper plan was to have a low IQ VP who is dumber than dumber.

[@commandosolo1266]

Speaking as a moderate independent forced into the Democratic tent by Trumpism, the primary reason I moved is because the Democratic party can have this discussion on the fitness of their candidate, where the Republican party can't. The Democrats are capable of facing up to hard truths, and responding; the so-called "post-truth" party can't do that, and brought about the unnecessary deaths of half a million Americans. The Democrats will find their candidate, and that candidate will crater Trump in a debate.

[@bonniepoole1095]

I agree. Who ever coached Biden for these debates did a terrible job. Biden isn't looking backwards to reinstate old policies that provided no protections for women's rights or moved jobs overseas, or allowed unfettered pollution of our air and water or allowed corporate CEO's, making hundreds of millions of dollars, to then deny workers the right to unionize. For the predatory corporations and billionaires who profit from past legislation, Biden is the worst president- - he empowers the working people.

[@anonomas6126]

They should have done that from the start. That’s what primary elections are for! Now the voters will have their choices taken away from them by having a person chosen by the Democratic Party without a vote.

[@maryhalverson5713]

Realistically speaking, there isn't a single Democrat on the horizon who doesn't look like a gentrified dork.

[@cynthiahamilton9292]

@@maryhalverson5713. I agree. All this talk is noice until a name that can do better than Biden is set forth.

[@void405]

@@maryhalverson5713 unfortunately, the best option right now is to go with Kennedy and hope for a better candidate in 4 years. Kennedy is the only one who was speaking out against Biden's age and the DNC while not being a right wing lunatic. He's released a lot of videos on his KZbin channel breaking down his platform in detail. He's the most coherent person running at the moment. A last minute substitute by the DNC just won't win at this point

[@jefff7287]

The idea of not challenging an incumbent of your same party is NOT democratic.

[@PhinClio]

No it isn't. Whether or not to challenge an incumbent is a political calculation. It can be a good one or a bad one. But the notion that one should never worry about possible negative consequences of challenging an incumbent is silly.

[@wanderlustworldschooling543]

The idea of challenging an incumbent not being democratic is the least of the factors that were being weighed. The politics around such a challenge were risky. I think they are less risky now. But it’s naive to focus on the part of the calculation that is least important.

[@christinegladhill2341]

I think they might be looking at that now..

[@BlackDoveNYC]

It may not be democratic but it’s a sure fire way to lose.

[@vernonfrance2974]

Unfortunately, now we cannot rely on Biden winning. However, Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures. We cannot have two Californians running on the same ticket. We need to replace her with someone like Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, who was inaugurated on January 1, 2019, as the state's 49th governor. She was re-elected to serve a second term in 2022.

[@ninaspage]

Hi from Denmark, we were curling our toes watching the Debat geeeeee. poor Biden.

[@cradio52]

I was *always* someone who said the age factor literally didn’t matter. Until the second Biden opened his mouth on that debate stage last night. At this point, I genuinely think Biden and the party need to gather up, hunker down, choose a successor for Biden to name and then have him give a stirring emotional and inspirational speech in the spirit of FDR’s Fireside Chats, where Biden calls back to how he’s always said he’s going to keep it straight with the American people and level with us - that he hears our satisfaction with the technical job he has done and knows that the majority of Americans agree with his policies and vision for the country, but he hears our concerns and fears about his age - he’s just too damn old. So he’s doing the right thing, being above any one man and protecting the Constitution by taking the drastic but necessary step of naming Gavin Newsom as his preferred successor and he’s stepping out of the race. Make it super firm, strong and inspirational, like he’s doing this because he respects America and so badly needs the American dream to continue because if Donald Trump is elected it will just straight up die. A desperate time calls for a big, unprecedented action in order to save the soul of the country, etc. etc. We can then all come together and be like yeah you know what, come on people - it’s Donald F*king Trump we’re facing here. We can’t let that guy and his people win. Let’s just do this. And then everyone will actually *show up* and *actually vote* in overwhelming numbers due to a sense of shared Patriotism or whatever. It could be a f*king beautiful part of American history, and Biden would go down as one of the most respected politicians in history for putting the Constitution and the “American Dream” above any one man. We can then spend the next four years organizing around a total clean slate, with fresh new candidates for 2028, because we’ll be rid of both Biden and Trump at that point. We could truly start over. But we need to make it through these next four years goddamn it. But we have to actually survive these next four years to get there, and that won’t happen if Donald wins.

[@davidbecker2107]

Truth

[@gailnabity1672]

Fever dream! Gavin Newsome is kryptonite to moderate Democrats. He can’t beat Trump!

[@user-ff8vo1se8v]

Newsom and ?

[@avengemybreath3084]

Wow, you have powerful self-deception capabilities.

[@MrRippyMcBaked]

Wow lol. It's hilarious watching everyone address the 50,000 lb elephant in the room. Biden was suffering from dementia in 2020, and you all said it was lies. Now, you have a hard pill to swallow.

[@juliayermakov2121]

Thank you for your candor and not sugar coating the disaster of a debate it was, while also giving due credit to all Biden’s done. Totally agree with all of you.

[@ajmeyers5661]

If we all truly believe that Trump is the existential threat that he *_*clearly*_* is, then how can we say President Biden should continue??? Edit: right after I typed this Tommy said most of what I was thinking

[@nemil2898]

At this point how can you really say Biden is running anything. Let the man retire with some dignity and live his last years out outside of the crap heap that is American politics. The party is to blame.

[@nickhughes4800]

That was so incredibly painful to watch.. This is RBG all over again. RETIRE before its too late.

[@josephprice4095]

It's already too late. When he ran in 2020 he said he was going to be a 1-term president. Well, because he beat Trump once, he thinks, for some unknown reason, that he is the only one who can. I agree with you but RGB was worse. Because of her hubris and ego, she is the reason women are less free now. She betrayed all women and destroyed her own legacy by not stepping down under Obama when she was encouraged to when he had both the house and senate, he could have appointed a strong liberal woman who would be there for decades. But because she thought she was too important to be replaced ..... women across this country now have to suffer because of her. And if Trump wins again, he will be able to appoint 2 more justices and hand the SCotUS to extremists for a generation.

[@cecilbug]

My thoughts exactly

[@trinidiana]

You’re right!

[@HZ-fg9sf]

💯

[@gailnabity1672]

If you think there’s some young thing who none of us could even name, can beat Trump at the last minute…you are insane. You better suck it up and get fully behind Biden!

[@sweetpepper13]

Democrats demeaned and dismissed EVERYONE who raised concerns about Biden. 😢

[@gabs7506]

What are your concerns about Biden?

[@JazzAUPH]

@@gabs7506 That he has demnetia all along and has not been running the country. The debate just magnified that and the Dems / Media cannot hide it any longer.

[@seandoherty925]

He looks like he has dementia. He sometimes acts like someone in the early stages of dementia. Dementia can progress rapidly and he is putting himself up the the world's most important job for four years starting January coming. Most importantly, he is behind in the polls and needs to convince swing voters all this is nonsense. He did the opposite.

[@vladthecon]

@@gabs7506 have you seen any of his public appearances over the last few years the dude is literally almost dead

[@seandoherty925]

​@@gabs7506 he doesn't seem lucid enough to convince undecided voters that he's up to the job.

[@jex_one]

America is doomed.

[@theJudge6990]

My left tears tumbler is overflowing 😂

[@FLEABONE]

I'm caring for 2 parents with dementia and it was like watching them debate. I had to walk away several times. My Mummy Dearest has become a Mean Girl who sounds lucid when she lies and says bat shit crazy stuff. On the other hand my sweet Dad stumbles on words, loses his train of thought and struggles with physical symptoms of both dementia and heart failure. Bidens team is missing an opportunity when they keep letting Trump claim he beat covid. They never mention the estimated 100,000 who died before lockdown and untested while trump lied. They should be slamming him with his own words to Woodward from Feb 7th 2020 and contrast that to what he said and did publicly while Covid-19 ran rough shod across the country. This debate sucked the air out of my soul. I wanted a different candidate 2 years ago.

[@premanadi]

My Dad also had moderate dementia, and Biden does not have it. Joe Scarborough was just talking about spending three hours with Biden recently talking about every political issue, and Biden being completely lucid. Biden has always struggled with speaking, and he simply cannot connect his thoughts to his mouth under high pressure anymore. In a relaxed setting where he has more time to formulate things, he is apparently still sharp. That would not be true for a person with dementia. His thinking is slower and his memory is not as good, but he can still do the job itself just fine. He just can't debate or do speeches that are improvised in the moment.

[@judiemeierfranz4329]

​@premanadi yep. These little man boys here are like a frat group who's college football team had a bad showing tho the season has been extraordinary. Boo hoo. They're obviously mad bc they're embarrassed. President Biden meanwhile, does a 24/7 365 job that demands high level thinking, decision making even when he knows it's often the "not the worst" choice as there is no "best" while these little frat boys have the luxury of ranting - which will disappear if Trump and Mike Johnson have their way. They forget they're on air, not in a college dorm. Easy to be the arm chair QB, boys. Grow up.

[@dezzyschannel3078]

Putting 2 80 year olds on tv past 5pm should be considered elder abuse.

[@gobords]

allowing Biden to run is elder abuse.. how is a debate abuse but running the country not?

[@FannyVonFluff]

Why was it so late?

[@bonniejosavland3227]

@@FannyVonFluffprime time on the East coast?! The most viewers = $$$ for CNN! 😂

[@JackAShepherd]

These jokes are so obnoxious... Older people are adults and shouldn't be subjected to constant patronizing

[@jeffrandolf5673]

Trump only sleeps 5-6 hours /night. You clearly have no idea what you're talking about. Not all 80 y/o's are the same.

[@DelvinDelight]

To those who are embracing the hokey platitudes like, “dance with who brought you” and such crap… Imagine you’ve got “no use crying over spilt milk” all ready for when Fascism ends our democracy. Newsom, Buttegieg, Jeffries-- someone asap!!!

[@user-cd3lx7uq3f]

DRINK YOUR TEARS...! 😂

[@alisyed5865]

Heart Breaking. I'll vote blue till the tires fall off, but every single independent who was even 5% concerned about Biden's age has officially decided they're voting trump/3rd party. I don't even know what to say. I really really really wanted Biden to do well. Even a 5/10 would have cut it and most people would have been able to hold their nose and vote against trump. But honestly, his performance was maybe a 2/10?

[@carbine090909]

😭😭😭

[@jdevoz]

not a chance this independent wouldn’t vote for wacko trump nor wacko kennedy, current admin is rocking it. we can’t afford another Maga nor Republican admin.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

The tires fell off. Now what? Save America Deport Every Illegal Trump 2024

[@irenafarm]

I’m terrified that the tires are indeed now falling off. :/

[@leebrock4783]

I hate to say it, but a 2/10 seems a bit generous.

[@user-iw1hm8tx5v]

Joe is old but he is not an evil self absorbed narcissist. We as a country will cease to exist or have any hope if the conman is reelected. The debate prep failed. Joe seemed lost as we all saw but the con lied incessantly.

[@direwolf6234]

a lie unchallenged becomes a fact ... you can't eat the fish that got away ...

[@vernonfrance2974]

@user-iw1hm8tx5v We cannot rely on Biden winning. However, Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures. We cannot have two Californians running on the same ticket. We need to replace Harris too, with someone like Gretchen Whitmer, a member of the Democratic Party, who was inaugurated on January 1, 2019, as Michigan's 49th governor. She was re-elected to serve a second term in 2022. This would help get votes from other Midwestern states as well.

[@judiemeierfranz4329]

I think they over prepared Biden. Anyone who's done that feels the pain. I think this podcast is unfortunately overly focused on 1 night vs the past 3plus years. Their ranting and determination to insult President Biden and those of us who see him as a hard working man is demeaning. They call me "ridiculous". Because I'm not concerned that the man running the country in a complex world can cont to do it. If they want to support President Biden, point out that and stop wailing and moaning and insulting voters w our own minds. I find this episode an embarrassment.

[@garthmanuel5701]

Wasn't he president before?

[@auntiez4917]

@@garthmanuel5701 Yes and Trump was the worst President ever.

[@seventen7195]

his hope is that in two months people are going to talk about something different?… “couple of months is a lifetime in politics” problem is: in two months BIDEN is going to be a “lifetime” older…

[@DivineRainInDarkWater1]

Presidential debate review…  The major media coverage is definitely disconnected from the Way, We’re talking about this.. This is the way everybody I know is talking about the race. “Joe Biden had a horrible debate, because he’s a really old dude who occasionally forgets stuff. He spoke softly and was kind of hard to hear. But He’s a compassionate guy who has a plan for a better future for us. But unfortunately, for the other guy, we heard him loud and clear. - he said completely crazy things and lied for 90 minutes straight. About things we clearly all know. And as much as the Republican party would like to say his behavior is “baked in” if there is poison in the cake. Who the hell cares how much sugar is in it. That cake won’t bake. 🤨💯We see what we see. The vision for the future between these two people spoke louder than any 90 minute debate ever could. No unapologetic convicted felon will have our vote in this life. We are absolutely still voting Biden. 🇺🇸

[@stephanieviola2632]

Also the BEST possible spin I can put on this for voters is to paraphrase Maggie Kuhn: pick the candidate who speaks the truth - even if his voice shakes.

[@erikmccauley2088]

What you mean? RFK?

[@Cat-ct2wx]

💯

[@deeneff6132]

YES!!!

[@macro8236]

The problem with that is that Biden is also a horrible liar not as much as Trump but a liar nonetheless

[@ssshar2176]

The amount of scrutiny Biden gets and how Trump gets by all the time is disgusting. Biden has my vote.

[@friedtofufan]

“Scrutiny”??? He’s the president of the United States!!!! All dems talk about is how bad Trump is, but it is necessary to hold the actual president to a standard higher than seeming like he’s not senile.

[@jennifergonzalez3895]

I feel the same!

[@vernonfrance2974]

We can't rely on him winning but Governor Newsom is leading Trump by a much wider margin. Desperate times require desperate measures.

[@tisha954]

Facts

[@Infinite.Worldz]

Are you deaf and blind 🤣🤣🤣

[@ronthomas1321]

It’s hard to debate when you try to rebut in 1 minute, 2 minutes of lies and false accusations

[@davemccutcheon9053]

Done with Blackmail Politics . Garland refused to prosecute the Dump and coup plotters to keep Donny in play.

[@richietattersall2122]

What the Hell does a Golf Ball have to do with being the President of the United States of America? NOTHING!!!!!!!!

[@jvallas]

Maybe it points to how damned much time trump spent on the golf course when he *was* President.

[@Tom-kk4tm]

Because that is all that sleepy Joe has left in his cranium.

[@Tom-kk4tm]

Maybe that is because it's the size of Biden's brain

[@user-ws4dw8kh3q]

​@@jvallasKeep crying 😂

[@user-ws4dw8kh3q]

Keep Crying 😂

[@kimberleyhosmer5997]

I was very frustrated with the fact that the arbitrary 2 minute rule seemed to work against Biden because he kept getting cut off mid sentence, while the moderators kept going back to Trump 2 and 3 times just to try to get him to answer the actual question that he had been asked, thus giving him 2-3 times more time to respond and put out more and more lies and bullshit!

[@void405]

Agreed. Trump just rambled each time they tried to change topics. It got old very fast. The moderators did a terrible job with opening up the floor for him to ramble like that. Counterpoint: Biden could have done the same but was too slow to adapt. He didn't have any GOOD responses on hand to quickly shut the misinformation down. The ONLY thing Trump was right about was Charlottesville. I live near Charlottesville and remember it very well. There was a local news interview from the actual riot with 5 identified Canadians because Montreal News also did a report on them and their protests in Canada. There were a total of 5 Greyhound buses that came from Canada with about a hundred extremists total. Trump was actually not wrong, but it's infuriating that no one was fact checked by the moderators. He should have been called out about so much like the inflation. Everything else was such nonsense that it was painful to listen to. All the anti-hispanic hate was so sad to see. He was so whiny about the border, but did nothing for the American people. Absolutely shameless of him.

[@1canondocre]

I know … I’m so tired of cnn rigging things for trump and the republicans. The media in general is so pro trump it’s sickening. This is way more than a microagression (which is still a really big deal) … I’m calling it election interference and as a member of this society I am calling for an interrogation of the suspects. Now.

[@user-gw2rw3iw6q]

Well. Maybe that was kindness. Just one minute less to fumble and loose his train of thoughts. Literally nothing could have saved him. He was extremly incoherent and disappointing.

[@susancarey351]

I agree. I think that the format was poorly conceived. Having to respond within 1 minute to 2 minutes of lying by Donald wasn't helpful for sure (and how the moderators returned to Trump multiple trying to get a straight answer out of him.)

[@susancarey351]

and Donald was being his bully self too

[@jeanneshawn1677]

Honestly, kids. Why weren’t Trump’s constant lies called out?

[@Liutgard]

If we try to replace Biden now, how can we avoid a replay of the mess in '68?

[@Connor8609]

By voting for someone younger, who is mentally competent and can prosecute Trump to the American people on his obvious lies. Pretty fucking simple actually.

[@jonathantifone8001]

No it isn't because there are more than one prison who for that bill. Politicians are ambitious by trade if Biden falls and Kamala is not accepted as heir then you are looking at a free for all and that's the nightmare.

[@katoe908]

The real losers of this debate are the millions of Americans whose only options for a leader are two extremely old men who can’t coherently answer really easy questions

[@FinchamJace]

Jill Stein is already on the ballot in at least 23 states, just saying.

[@brettgracey9682]

You have one old man who obviously has trouble debating, but he clearly knows his policies. The other guy doesn't have any policies, and can only harp on ridiculously obvious lies, because without that, he literally has nothing coherent to say.

[@FinchamJace]

@@brettgracey9682 no, what you have is an 800 year old war criminal, basically George Bush 2.0, and a 750 year old felon who should be serving time.

[@samalamadingdong1010]

100% agree!

[@katoe908]

@@brettgracey9682 yes I thought biden did terribly but I found it disgraceful that trump kept on pivoting to immigration on literally every single question. when asked about childcare and the opiate crisis and pretty much everything else he talked about immigration. I get that that’s an important issue but it is so clear that his one and only policy position is just being against immigration, he doesn’t care about any other issue that affects the average working american

[@2012Cheetah]

I’m sickened, sad & scared. I agree with Lovett, we must have an alternate plan FAST!

[@hanke11]

Why do you hate the democratic process?

[@mhill0425]

⁠@@hanke11the convention hasn’t happened yet so and the DNC process says we can have an open convention.

[@bmart13586]

@@hanke11 what was democratic about this process? Did we have a choice in Biden this time around?

[@jessehachey2732]

😂 you people are pathetic! Get a grip ffs 🙄

[@Connor8609]

@@hanke11 Oh, you're going to HATE the democractic process if Biden is on the ticket in November. His campaign just entered it's death cycle.

[@kingsleycasper]

I can’t bring myself to donate to Biden’s campaign I just don’t believe that’s the best way my money could be used

[@gatb4387]

I am Dan. Dan's body language represents my own.

[@CZPC]

I'm voting for whoever isn't Donald Trump.

[@deusexwhatever8963]

Smart. Nuanced. Totally logical 😂😂😂

[@JenniferWhitney-rs7oz]

Robert F Kennedy Jr

[@Reezer83]

No keep supporting a wannabe dictator is logical​@deusexwhatever8963

[@Lyra-sx9tq]

They could have bidens corpse running ala Weekend at Bernie’s and I’d still vote for him over trump.

[@ArmandoIlano]

Really Smart.