In the midst of a week-long effort by the White House to defend President Joe Biden’s below-average performance in the first presidential debate, he has come forward to explain why he fell short. During an ABC News interview with George Stephanopoulos on Friday, Biden attributed his weak showing to exhaustion, labeling the debate as a “bad night”, blaming himself for not listening to his “instincts” during prep work, and citing a “serious” cold that left him feeling “awful”.
Biden echoed remarks made by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a press briefing earlier, referring to jet lag, a cold, and old age as valid factors behind his subpar performance, before insisting the president is “as sharp as ever”.
Forbes reported that Jean-Pierre elaborated on the excuses earlier that week, stating that Biden often receives accommodations after international travels but failed to recover completely before the debate.
Biden aides chimed in, suggesting his pre-debate condition further validated the excuses. Others suggested he was over-rehearsed or that the venue was unfavorable for Biden.
John Morgan, a fundraiser close to the president, expressed solidarity by claiming Biden was pressured beyond his limits and that specific actions taken by his team hindered his confidence.
Meanwhile, Jill Biden attempted to deflect attention by highlighting Joe Biden’s age, stating he did not “feel that great”, and President Biden repeated the jetlag excuse.
Biden and allies made repeated references to his time differences caused by traveling, specifically naming his trips to Europe days leading up to the debate.
The problem is that Biden returned from Europe nearly two weeks before the June 27 debate.
Further highlighting the issue, The New York Times reported that Biden told Democrat governors he needs more sleep, less work, and to cut down on his events after 8 p.m
Advisers to the president reinforced such claims, stating he had become more productive within a six-hour window – 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
Despite widespread doubt and calls for his withdrawal within their own party, Biden remains committed, backed by some of these unconventional explanations.
