President Biden’s 2024 debate against Donald Trump sparked panic in the Democratic Party and led to major changes in the election race. Here’s what happened and how it shook up U.S. politics.
Flashback: Biden’s Debate That Changed the 2024 Election
Just one year ago, President Joe Biden stepped on the debate stage against former President Donald Trump—and what happened next shook the entire 2024 election campaign.
A Tough Night for Biden
Biden was already under pressure before the debate. Critics questioned his age and memory. A report earlier in 2024 from Special Counsel Robert Hur described him as “a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” which sparked even more concern about his ability to lead for another term.
While Biden prepared at Camp David, Trump stirred controversy by demanding that Biden take a drug test before the debate. Biden jokingly responded on social media, posting a photo of himself drinking water and saying, “It’s just water, Jack.”
But jokes aside, the debate performance raised alarms.
The Debate That Sparked Panic
Biden struggled during the 90-minute debate. His voice was raspy, he lost his train of thought several times, and his energy was far lower than expected.
When he tried to explain changes in immigration policy, he seemed to drift mid-sentence, confusing both the audience and moderators.
Trump took advantage of the moment, mocking Biden by saying, “I don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows either.”
The reaction from Democrats and the media was swift and brutal. Many said the president failed to show he could handle four more years in office.
Reactions from Allies and Media
Former Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill didn’t hold back:
“Biden had one job—to prove he could do it. And he didn’t.”
MSNBC’s Joy Reid said her phone “never stopped buzzing” with messages of panic from Democratic insiders.
Even the New York Times and Chicago Tribune ran editorials urging Biden to consider stepping down. While public figures like former President Barack Obama and First Lady Jill Biden publicly supported him, reports later showed Obama was encouraging Biden behind the scenes to exit the race.
Biden’s Decision to Step Down
Despite the White House denying any plans for Biden to quit, the pressure kept growing. Less than a month after the debate, on July 21, 2024, Biden officially announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he was ending his campaign.
He threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, giving her just over 100 days to build a campaign against Donald Trump.
🚨 Final Thoughts
This debate changed the course of the 2024 election. What was meant to be a show of strength turned into a turning point. Biden’s exit paved the way for a new candidate—and possibly a new future for the Democratic Party.
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