Last night, Joe Biden lost the presidential debate against Donald Trump within the first ten minutes. Trump’s initial attacks were so effective that many began questioning Biden’s viability as a candidate. The debate was a disaster for Biden, marked by rambling and incoherent responses and a strange, unfocused stare that suggested he was struggling not just in the debate, but in life itself. This has caused a deep sense of panic within the Democratic Party, prompting some to reconsider Biden’s candidacy.

Key Missteps:

1. Taxation Plan Fumble: About nine minutes in, Biden attempted to speak about taxing the ultra-rich but ended up with a confusing and incoherent statement about COVID and other unrelated topics. This stumble was compounded by a long pause and a series of unclear statements.
2. Raspy and Weak Voice: Biden sounded hoarse, reportedly due to a cold, but this only added to the perception of low energy and frailty. His speech was often disjointed and filled with stumbles over basic facts and figures, such as misstating the number of billionaires and tax rates.
3. Physical Appearance: Biden’s gait and overall appearance raised concerns about his age and vitality. His movements appeared stiff, and his energy seemed low, reinforcing worries about his ability to handle the rigors of the presidency.

Damaging Moments:

• Struggle with Basic Facts: Biden made several errors, such as misstating the number of billionaires and getting confused about tax figures. These small stumbles added up and undermined his credibility.
• Lost Train of Thought: On multiple occasions, Biden lost his train of thought, such as when discussing Medicare and border policies. These moments created a perception of cognitive decline.

Trump’s Performance:

• Rhetorical Strategy: Trump largely ignored the questions, repeated his talking points, and often lied or made things up when confronted with inconvenient facts. This approach, while lacking substance, made him appear more confident and in control compared to Biden.
• Non-Traditional Prep: Unlike Biden, who spent a week at Camp David preparing, Trump relied on rallies and interviews, which seemed to serve him well in terms of maintaining his usual combative style.

Overall Impression:

• Biden’s Weakness: Biden’s performance did nothing to alleviate concerns about his age and mental acuity. His inability to articulate a clear case for his presidency and his frequent loss of train of thought were glaring issues.
• Trump’s Consistency: Trump’s approach, while often factually inaccurate, showed a consistency and confidence that Biden lacked.

Conclusion: Biden’s performance in the debate has deepened doubts about his candidacy within the Democratic Party. His age, physical appearance, and cognitive struggles were on full display, contrasting sharply with Trump’s aggressive and confident, albeit factually dubious, approach. With the election looming, these factors could significantly impact Biden’s chances of securing a second term.