Barack Obama Defends Joe Biden, Says ‘Bad Debate Nights Happen’

Former US President Barack Obama came to the defense of President Joe Biden on Friday after Biden’s lackluster performance in the first presidential debate. The debate, which saw Biden stumbling and losing his train of thought, raised concerns among voters about his age and mental fitness. Despite the “bad debate night,” Obama emphasized that the stakes in the upcoming November 5 election remain high.

Biden, who is 81, and his Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who is 78, are the oldest candidates running for the presidency. Voters have expressed worries about their age and mental health, particularly focusing on Biden.

In a tweet, Obama, who was President from 2008 to 2017, highlighted the clear choice in the election. He described it as a decision between “someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself.”

“Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself. Between someone who tells the truth, who knows right from wrong and will give it to the American people straight and someone who lies through his teeth for his own benefit. Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November,” Obama said.

During Obama’s eight years in office, Biden served as his Vice President.

Biden’s verbal missteps and sometimes wandering answers during Thursday’s debate have increased voter concerns about his ability to serve another four-year term. Some Democrats are even questioning whether they should replace him as their candidate.

Meanwhile, Trump, who served as President from 2017 to 2021, made several false statements during the debate. However, the focus afterward was mainly on Biden, especially among Democrats.

Despite his weak debate performance, which disappointed many Democrats, Biden remained determined to defeat Trump. The Democratic President showed no signs of considering dropping out of the race.

Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged that Biden had a “slow start” at the debate. Speaking at a rally in Las Vegas, she reassured supporters that “this race will not be decided by one night in June,” according to The Associated Press.