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President Joe Biden is still dealing with the political fallout of his weak performance at the 2024 presidential debate, while former President Donald Trump is celebrating a “big win” after the Supreme Court’s ruling in his immunity case.
The two presumptive presidential nominees met face-to-face for the first time in the 2024 election cycle at a debate hosted by CNN last Thursday. Biden’s unsteady performance there has dominated the headlines since, leading some Democrats to privately question if he should step aside as the Democratic nominee.
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On Monday, the Supreme Court handed Trump a victory when it released its opinion on Trump v. U.S., which declares that Trump has complete legal immunity for actions during his presidency that were “official” in nature, although not for those that were “unofficial.”
The ruling makes it highly unlikely that Trump’s trial on charges related to inciting the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, will take place before the November election. It also complicates his other ongoing legal proceedings, including his recent hush money conviction.
Follow along below for live updates on the presidential race:
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Democratic Congresswoman Says Biden’s Staff ‘Bubble-Wraps Him’
Speaking to CNN Wednesday afternoon, Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell had plenty of supportive things to say about Biden as a person and as a leader, saying he has “delivered more than most presidents have for working men and women.” But she also acknowledged, repeatedly, that Biden did not perform well at Thursday’s debate and spoke critically of the president’s staff.
“I think some of the campaign staff didn’t take it seriously enough,” Dingell said of the response to Biden’s debate. “I’m sure they’ll get mad at me for saying that. [But] it got a lot of people upset.”
Dingell said Biden “should have been out there sooner and faster” to address widespread fears about his continued ability to do the job.
“I think sometimes his staff bubble-wraps him,” Dingell said. A flurry of reports in recent days have questioned how well Biden's staff is serving him; Politico reported Tuesday that White House staffers supposedly shield him from upsetting information.
Biden, Dingell said, “has to talk directly to the American people and show them he is strong enough for the next four years.” She noted that she has not seen signs of mental decline in the president herself.
“I think some of the campaign staff didn’t take it seriously enough,” Dingell said of the response to Biden’s debate. “I’m sure they’ll get mad at me for saying that. [But] it got a lot of people upset.”
Dingell said Biden “should have been out there sooner and faster” to address widespread fears about his continued ability to do the job.
“I think sometimes his staff bubble-wraps him,” Dingell said. A flurry of reports in recent days have questioned how well Biden's staff is serving him; Politico reported Tuesday that White House staffers supposedly shield him from upsetting information.
Biden, Dingell said, “has to talk directly to the American people and show them he is strong enough for the next four years.” She noted that she has not seen signs of mental decline in the president herself.
Second Democratic Congressman Calls On Biden To Drop From Race
Another elected Democrat has joined Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) in calling on President Joe Biden to step aside.
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told the New York Times that Biden's bad debate is an opportunity for Democrats to move on.
“If he’s the candidate, I’m going to support him, but I think that this is an opportunity to look elsewhere,” Grijalva said.
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told the New York Times that Biden's bad debate is an opportunity for Democrats to move on.
“If he’s the candidate, I’m going to support him, but I think that this is an opportunity to look elsewhere,” Grijalva said.
Trump Campaign Wants Biden To Stay In Race: Report
Trump and people in his campaign want Biden to stay in the presidential race, according to a report from The Washington Post which cited four people familiar with the matter.
Despite Trump’s numerous legal troubles, his team is still confident that they can beat Biden following his debate blunder.
Since then, Trump has reportedly gone under the radar, purposefully allowing Biden’s poor performance to remain in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Trump’s team has also increased attacks on VP Harris and begun gearing up for other outcomes in which Biden does not stay in the race.
Despite Trump’s numerous legal troubles, his team is still confident that they can beat Biden following his debate blunder.
Since then, Trump has reportedly gone under the radar, purposefully allowing Biden’s poor performance to remain in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Trump’s team has also increased attacks on VP Harris and begun gearing up for other outcomes in which Biden does not stay in the race.
Another Damning Poll For Biden
A Wall Street Journal poll published Wednesday found that Trump now has a 6-point lead over Biden, post-debate. The 48-42 split is the widest since the paper began surveying voters in late 2021. In February, Trump had just a 2-point lead over Biden.
The poll also found that 80% of voters think Biden, 81, is too old to run for a second term. Trump is 78.
Neither men have high favorability among voters, according to this poll, which found that 47% would replace both men on the ballot if they could, and 53% say they aren’t enthusiastic about any of the candidates.
The poll also found that 80% of voters think Biden, 81, is too old to run for a second term. Trump is 78.
Neither men have high favorability among voters, according to this poll, which found that 47% would replace both men on the ballot if they could, and 53% say they aren’t enthusiastic about any of the candidates.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
White House Says Joe Biden Is ‘As Sharp As Ever’
Nearly every question at the White House press briefing was focused on the state of Biden’s campaign post-debate. Jean-Pierre repeatedly affirmed there are no talks for him to step aside and emphasized that a cold and busy travel schedule were major factors contributing to his poor debate performance.
“He is as sharp as ever, as I have known him to be in my engagement, in my experience with him,” she said when a reporter asked if she’d noticed any decline in him. “And I know when I walk into the Oval Office or see him on Air Force One, I have to be on top of my game.”
“He is as sharp as ever, as I have known him to be in my engagement, in my experience with him,” she said when a reporter asked if she’d noticed any decline in him. “And I know when I walk into the Oval Office or see him on Air Force One, I have to be on top of my game.”
Biden Is ‘Absolutely Not’ Stepping Aside
When a reporter asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre if Biden was considering stepping aside, she responded with a decisive “Absolutely not.”
“He’s talked about how he understands it was not his best night,” she said of Biden and the debate. “He understands that it is fair for people to ask that question, but we cannot forget his record and what he's been able to do.
”When asked if there’s anything that would make Biden reconsider, Jean-Pierre said she “cannot lay out something that would change the President's mind.”
“He’s talked about how he understands it was not his best night,” she said of Biden and the debate. “He understands that it is fair for people to ask that question, but we cannot forget his record and what he's been able to do.
”When asked if there’s anything that would make Biden reconsider, Jean-Pierre said she “cannot lay out something that would change the President's mind.”
Biden Tapes Radio Interviews
Biden has recorded two interviews with radio stations, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday.
Joe Biden And Kamala Harris Try To Rally Staff On Call
Biden and Harris attempted to reassure White House staff about the campaign, reporters with information about the pep talk said.
"Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running… no one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win," Biden said, according to Politico's Elena Schneider.
"Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running… no one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win," Biden said, according to Politico's Elena Schneider.
Democratic Senator Says Biden 'Wrestling' With His Political Future
It's an open question whether Biden is fit to serve, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said Wednesday, adding his voice to the chorus of Democrats expressing alarms about the president after his shaky debate against Donald Trump.
“That’s the question,” Welch told CNN when asked about Biden's fitness. “He’s wrestling with that. He’s reading the polls… I’m confident that at the end of the day the president will make his decision based on what’s best for the country.”
The Vermont senator, who has been critical of the Biden campaign for criticizing those raising questions about Biden's health, said that a weak presidential nominee could harm Democratic Senate candidates, pointing to Sen. Jon Tester's (D-Mont.) race in Montana, a state Republicans are targeting in hopes of winning control of the Senate.
“Somebody like Tester can overcome a gap but he can’t overcome a castle," Welch said. "If we do really poorly at the presidential level that creates a fierce undertow.”
“That’s the question,” Welch told CNN when asked about Biden's fitness. “He’s wrestling with that. He’s reading the polls… I’m confident that at the end of the day the president will make his decision based on what’s best for the country.”
The Vermont senator, who has been critical of the Biden campaign for criticizing those raising questions about Biden's health, said that a weak presidential nominee could harm Democratic Senate candidates, pointing to Sen. Jon Tester's (D-Mont.) race in Montana, a state Republicans are targeting in hopes of winning control of the Senate.
“Somebody like Tester can overcome a gap but he can’t overcome a castle," Welch said. "If we do really poorly at the presidential level that creates a fierce undertow.”
NYT/Siena Poll Shows Trump Up By 6 Points After Debate
A New York Times/Siena poll released Wednesday afternoon found Trump leading Biden by 6 points nationally among likely voters. That's a 3 point shift in Trump's favor from the last Times/Siena poll conducted in June ahead of the debate.
The poll also found 74 percent of likely voters believe Biden is too old to do the job of president, an increase of 5 points since the debate. Among Democratic voters, 59 percent have concerns about Biden's age, up 8 points from the last poll.
The post-debate poll was conducted June 28 to July 2.
The poll also found 74 percent of likely voters believe Biden is too old to do the job of president, an increase of 5 points since the debate. Among Democratic voters, 59 percent have concerns about Biden's age, up 8 points from the last poll.
The post-debate poll was conducted June 28 to July 2.
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
White House Chief Of Staff Asks Employees To Tune Out The ‘Noise’
White House chief of staff Jeff Zients urged during an all-staff meeting on Wednesday for people to tune out the “noise” in the wake of Biden’s politically disastrous debate performance, according to several media reports.
Zients spent the meeting trying to rally staff about the campaign, reminding them that Biden has a long track record of overcoming challenges, The Associated Press reported after speaking with someone in the meeting.
"The president and his team have been through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and you know what? That will continue, and the only way to get through it is as a team," Zients said, according to the Washington Post's Tyler Pager.
“This is a period of intense noise out there. People are looking for chatter. Tune. It. Out,” Zients said, Axios reporter Alex Thompson posted on social media.
Zients spent the meeting trying to rally staff about the campaign, reminding them that Biden has a long track record of overcoming challenges, The Associated Press reported after speaking with someone in the meeting.
"The president and his team have been through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and you know what? That will continue, and the only way to get through it is as a team," Zients said, according to the Washington Post's Tyler Pager.
“This is a period of intense noise out there. People are looking for chatter. Tune. It. Out,” Zients said, Axios reporter Alex Thompson posted on social media.
Report: Joe Biden Talks With Chuck Schumer
Biden spoke to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday, NBC reports.
CNN: Biden Told An Ally Next Days Are Critical
After the New York Times reported Biden had talked to an ally about the need to perform well in order to secure his candidacy, CNN reported an ally said Biden is "not oblivious" about his current issues.
“He sees the moment. He’s clear-eyed,” the person told CNN.
Read more at CNN.
“He sees the moment. He’s clear-eyed,” the person told CNN.
Read more at CNN.
White House Immediately Denies NYT Report
White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates called the NYT's report about Biden's alleged conversation with a close ally about his candidacy "absolutely false."
NYT: Biden Told Ally He's Weighing Whether To Continue
The New York Times reports Biden told a key ally he knows his candidacy may be in jeopardy, especially if he fails to perform well during public appearances and interviews in the coming days.
White House Spokesman Andrew Bates denied the report.
Read more at the New York Times.
White House Spokesman Andrew Bates denied the report.
Read more at the New York Times.
‘Rip The Band-Aid Off: Ex-Democratic Rep. Calls On Party To Back Harris
Former Ohio Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan repeated his call for Biden to drop out of the race following his poor debate performance as he urged Democrats to get behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
“That person on the stage there was not capable of governing the United States of America,” Ryan said in reference to Biden.
“I think we have to recognize that as quickly as possible, rip the Band-Aid off,” Ryan told CBS News' "America Decides." “We have a great vice president who has three and a half years of seasoning in the highest levels of government. She would be a great campaigner, energize our base.”
Harris continues to stand by the president.
“Joe Biden is our nominee,” she told CBS. “We beat Trump once and we’re going to beat him again, period.”
Biden and Harris will have lunch together at the White House today, according to CNN.
“That person on the stage there was not capable of governing the United States of America,” Ryan said in reference to Biden.
“I think we have to recognize that as quickly as possible, rip the Band-Aid off,” Ryan told CBS News' "America Decides." “We have a great vice president who has three and a half years of seasoning in the highest levels of government. She would be a great campaigner, energize our base.”
Harris continues to stand by the president.
“Joe Biden is our nominee,” she told CBS. “We beat Trump once and we’re going to beat him again, period.”
Biden and Harris will have lunch together at the White House today, according to CNN.
House GOP Campaign Arm Takes Aim At Kamala Harris In New Ad
The National Republican Campaign Committee, the political arm of House Republicans fighting to take back control of the House, released an ad Wednesday aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris in a preemptive strike against any possible attempt to put her atop the Democratic presidential ticket.
“Whether extreme House Democrats call on Joe Biden to step aside or not, Kamala Harris deserves the blame for many of the crises making life unsafe and difficult for American families -- and we plan to make her a prominent feature of the 2024 campaign," said NRCC spokesperson Will Reinert, who said the ad is "online/digital only."
Figures on how much money would be spent placing the ad or in what markets it would run were not immediately available.
The ad shows footage of Harris praising Biden as “a fighter, a leader with skill, vision, determination and compassion,” intercut with footage of Biden falling on the Air Force One steps and on a bicycle.
It also calls Harris Biden’s “enabler in chief” and includes footage of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), as well as Democratic Reps. Jim Clyburn (S.C.) and Steve Horsford (Nevada), praising Harris before the ad asks, “Is this who we want to be president?”
“Whether extreme House Democrats call on Joe Biden to step aside or not, Kamala Harris deserves the blame for many of the crises making life unsafe and difficult for American families -- and we plan to make her a prominent feature of the 2024 campaign," said NRCC spokesperson Will Reinert, who said the ad is "online/digital only."
Figures on how much money would be spent placing the ad or in what markets it would run were not immediately available.
The ad shows footage of Harris praising Biden as “a fighter, a leader with skill, vision, determination and compassion,” intercut with footage of Biden falling on the Air Force One steps and on a bicycle.
It also calls Harris Biden’s “enabler in chief” and includes footage of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), as well as Democratic Reps. Jim Clyburn (S.C.) and Steve Horsford (Nevada), praising Harris before the ad asks, “Is this who we want to be president?”
Business Executives Group Calls For Biden To Step Aside
Leadership Now, a left-of-center group of business executives and philanthropists, issued a statement saying that the threat of another Trump term is so great that Biden should "pass the torch of this year's presidential nomination to the next generation of highly capable Democrats."
They pointed out some of Biden's accomplishments, but then wrote, "What we witnessed Thursday night in the presidential debate was deeply concerning."
"We have heard from many individuals who share our deep concerns about the present course but fear speaking out. But speaking out is our duty in a democracy and the time to do it is now."
The group, which was founded by Harvard Business School alumni, didn't have member names on the statement.
They pointed out some of Biden's accomplishments, but then wrote, "What we witnessed Thursday night in the presidential debate was deeply concerning."
"We have heard from many individuals who share our deep concerns about the present course but fear speaking out. But speaking out is our duty in a democracy and the time to do it is now."
The group, which was founded by Harvard Business School alumni, didn't have member names on the statement.
Dem Consultants: What's Worse, Kamala Harris Or 'Dead Or Comatose' Biden?
In a private call with wealthy, panicked Democratic donors, consultants debated the merits of pushing Biden out of the race, Semafor reported.
Former Bill Clinton aide James Carville, in the conference call with SuperPAC American Bridge, told donors to cut off money to politicians who won't take their side over Biden.
Reid Hoffman adviser Dmitri Mehlhorn argued that Biden should stay in the race because swing voters like Vice President Kamala Harris even less than they like Biden.
“Kamala Harris is more threatening to those swing voters than a dead Joe Biden or a comatose Joe Biden,” he said. “So if Joe has to go, it’s gonna be Kamala and if it’s Kamala, it’s gonna be harder.”
The call shows how much wealthy donors are panicking and looking for guidance on what to do next. “What can we as donors do to encourage the change in the ticket?” asked one.
Former Bill Clinton aide James Carville, in the conference call with SuperPAC American Bridge, told donors to cut off money to politicians who won't take their side over Biden.
Reid Hoffman adviser Dmitri Mehlhorn argued that Biden should stay in the race because swing voters like Vice President Kamala Harris even less than they like Biden.
“Kamala Harris is more threatening to those swing voters than a dead Joe Biden or a comatose Joe Biden,” he said. “So if Joe has to go, it’s gonna be Kamala and if it’s Kamala, it’s gonna be harder.”
The call shows how much wealthy donors are panicking and looking for guidance on what to do next. “What can we as donors do to encourage the change in the ticket?” asked one.
Biden Campaign Sends Memo, Plans All-Staff Meeting To Calm Fears
Politico reports on what the Biden campaign is doing to calm staff fears after the president's shaky debate performance last week.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Justice Department Will Pursue Trump Cases Even If He Wins Election: Report
The Justice Department will continue to pursue the federal criminal cases against Trump even if he wins on Election Day, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.
The department is working toward an Inauguration Day deadline because there's a policy of not criminally charging a sitting president. Lawyers would even conduct a trial if necessary between the election and inauguration days, the Post reported.
“The Justice Department isn’t governed by the election calendar," Anthony Coley, a former Justice Department spokesman for Attorney General Merrick Garland, told the paper.
The department is working toward an Inauguration Day deadline because there's a policy of not criminally charging a sitting president. Lawyers would even conduct a trial if necessary between the election and inauguration days, the Post reported.
“The Justice Department isn’t governed by the election calendar," Anthony Coley, a former Justice Department spokesman for Attorney General Merrick Garland, told the paper.
Biden Meeting With Dem Governors
According to a schedule sent out by the White House Press Office, Biden has plans to meet with Democrat governors at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Raskin: 'Lots Of Discussion' About How Party Can Beat Trump
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said Tuesday that Democrat are having having discussions on how to handle Biden's debate performance and "it's happening very quickly."
He dodged a question from MSNBC's Chris Hayes on whether he agreed with Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) calling for Biden to drop out of the race.
He dodged a question from MSNBC's Chris Hayes on whether he agreed with Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) calling for Biden to drop out of the race.
Author Of Trump Book Makes Another Point About Debate
“Apprentice in Wonderland” writer Ramin Setoodeh said that we didn't get to see the real Trump during the debate because he “retreated” and “kind of held back.”
Trump has “gone into the boardroom and when someone is self-imploding or self-destructing, and I could see it in Donald Trump’s eyes, he could see that he didn’t need to do much and so he held back and we didn’t get to the see the real Donald Trump,” Setoodeh said.
Trump has “gone into the boardroom and when someone is self-imploding or self-destructing, and I could see it in Donald Trump’s eyes, he could see that he didn’t need to do much and so he held back and we didn’t get to the see the real Donald Trump,” Setoodeh said.
Heritage Foundation Leader Declares 'Second American Revolution'
The head of an organization behind an influential policy document expected to guide a potential second Trump administration declared that there’s a revolution taking place right now.
“We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless ― if the left allows it to be,” Kevin Roberts, president of the right-wing Heritage Foundation, said on Real America’s Voice.
“We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless ― if the left allows it to be,” Kevin Roberts, president of the right-wing Heritage Foundation, said on Real America’s Voice.
There's 1 Democrat Who Is Polling Higher Than Trump
A new poll finds Biden tied with Trump, with other Democrats trailing behind.
Except for ... Michelle Obama.
Except for ... Michelle Obama.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin Will Not Attend Joe Biden’s Appearance In Wisconsin This Week
Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s (D-Wis.) campaign confirmed that she will not be at Biden’s scheduled appearance in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday, and will instead embark on her four-day campaign tour.
Julián Castro Calls For Joe Biden To Step Aside
Julián Castro, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, called on Biden to step aside and “allow a stronger Democratic candidate” to enter the race to “prevent a disastrous second Trump term.”
“Joe Biden is a good man and has been a good president,” Castro wrote on X. “But last week’s debate disturbingly demonstrated that he is unable to effectively prosecute the case against Donald Trump — much less inspire and mobilize voters to the polls.”
The former mayor of San Antonio, Texas, went on to say defeating Trump was “too important for Democrats to do nothing.”
“Sadly, President Biden is not the campaigner he was in 2020,” he went on. “I am convinced that a number of other Democrats, including Vice President Harris, stand a better chance of winning.”
“Joe Biden is a good man and has been a good president,” Castro wrote on X. “But last week’s debate disturbingly demonstrated that he is unable to effectively prosecute the case against Donald Trump — much less inspire and mobilize voters to the polls.”
The former mayor of San Antonio, Texas, went on to say defeating Trump was “too important for Democrats to do nothing.”
“Sadly, President Biden is not the campaigner he was in 2020,” he went on. “I am convinced that a number of other Democrats, including Vice President Harris, stand a better chance of winning.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin: Democratic Strategy To Defeat Trump A ‘Moving Target'
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said Tuesday Democrats within Congress and voters nationwide were asking how the party would best challenge Trump following last week’s disastrous debate, noting those plans were a "moving target."
“Everybody is asking one question within the Democratic Party … which is how do we defeat Donald Trump, and how are we going to defeat the threat of authoritarianism?” Raskin told MSNBC’s Chris Hayes.
“I know this is a moving target, it’s got to happen quickly,” he went on. “But I can guarantee you … there will be massive unity and focus on that task when we get to the end of this process. And it’s happening very quickly I think.”
“Everybody is asking one question within the Democratic Party … which is how do we defeat Donald Trump, and how are we going to defeat the threat of authoritarianism?” Raskin told MSNBC’s Chris Hayes.
“I know this is a moving target, it’s got to happen quickly,” he went on. “But I can guarantee you … there will be massive unity and focus on that task when we get to the end of this process. And it’s happening very quickly I think.”
Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Barack Obama Tells Allies Biden’s Path Has Grown More Difficult: Report
Former President Barack Obama has privately told allies that Biden’s path to reelection has been complicated after his debate appearance, The Washington Post reported Tuesday night.
Obama has remained steadfast behind his onetime vice president in recent remarks, but the Post added he remains worried about Trump’s strength going into the November election.
Obama has remained steadfast behind his onetime vice president in recent remarks, but the Post added he remains worried about Trump’s strength going into the November election.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Dozens Of Democrats Preparing To Ask Biden To Step Aside: Reports
A group of House Democrats, potentially more than two dozen of them, are preparing to call for Biden to step aside and let someone else run, according to two reports.
An aide told Reuters that 25 House Democrats are getting ready to make the call. Another aide told the outlet that moderate House Democrats in competitive districts are contemplating writing a letter to Biden expressing their concerns.
A Democratic lawmaker also told CBS News that a group of House Democrats are preparing the request. The group is “large” and covers “a broad swath of the Democratic caucus,” the outlet reported.
An aide told Reuters that 25 House Democrats are getting ready to make the call. Another aide told the outlet that moderate House Democrats in competitive districts are contemplating writing a letter to Biden expressing their concerns.
A Democratic lawmaker also told CBS News that a group of House Democrats are preparing the request. The group is “large” and covers “a broad swath of the Democratic caucus,” the outlet reported.
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Democratic Congresswoman Says ‘Biden Is Going To Lose To Trump’
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) made a grim prediction for Biden’s chances at beating Trump.
“About 50 million Americans tuned in and watched that debate. I was one of them for about five very painful minutes,” she said in an interview with Portland-area ABC News affiliate KATU. “We all saw what we saw, you can’t undo that, and the truth I think, is that Biden is going to lose to Trump. I know that’s difficult, but I think the damage has been done by that debate.”
“About 50 million Americans tuned in and watched that debate. I was one of them for about five very painful minutes,” she said in an interview with Portland-area ABC News affiliate KATU. “We all saw what we saw, you can’t undo that, and the truth I think, is that Biden is going to lose to Trump. I know that’s difficult, but I think the damage has been done by that debate.”
Nancy Pelosi: ‘Both Candidates Owe Whatever Test You Want To Put Them To’
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who formerly served as House speaker, said that questions surrounding both Biden and Trump’s mental acuity and health are “legitimate.”
“I think it’s a legitimate question to say, is this an episode or is this a condition? When people ask that question, it’s legitimate — of both candidates,” Pelosi said in an interview Tuesday with MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell.
“We should be tearing up what [Trump] said the other day, because it was a pack of lies,” she added. “It’s very hard to debate somebody when you have to undo or debunk everything they are saying. Both candidates owe whatever test you want to put them to, in terms of their mental acuity and their health."
Later on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Pelosi told HuffPost that she “has full confidence in President Biden and looks forward to attending his inauguration on January 20, 2025.”
Read the full story here.
“I think it’s a legitimate question to say, is this an episode or is this a condition? When people ask that question, it’s legitimate — of both candidates,” Pelosi said in an interview Tuesday with MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell.
“We should be tearing up what [Trump] said the other day, because it was a pack of lies,” she added. “It’s very hard to debate somebody when you have to undo or debunk everything they are saying. Both candidates owe whatever test you want to put them to, in terms of their mental acuity and their health."
Later on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Pelosi told HuffPost that she “has full confidence in President Biden and looks forward to attending his inauguration on January 20, 2025.”
Read the full story here.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Post-Debate Polls Spell Bad News For Joe Biden
New polling shows other Democrats may have equal or better odds than Biden at beating Trump in November.
Findings from a CNN poll conducted by SSRS after the debate show voters favor Trump over Biden by six points – the same as it found over the past several months. It would be a much tighter race between Harris and Trump, the poll found, with 45% for the vice president vs. 47% for the presumptive GOP nominee. That’s due in part to Harris having stronger support from women.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, two people that have been floated as possible Biden replacements, perform similarly against Trump as Biden, the poll found.
An OpenLabs poll leaked to Puck spelled more bad news for Biden’s campaign. The poll, conducted 72 hours after the debate, found that Harris, Buttigieg, Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer all outperformed Biden against Trump in every battleground state.
The OpenLabs poll also found that 40% of Biden voters surveyed think he should end his campaign. That’s up from around 25% who expressed that view in May.
Findings from a CNN poll conducted by SSRS after the debate show voters favor Trump over Biden by six points – the same as it found over the past several months. It would be a much tighter race between Harris and Trump, the poll found, with 45% for the vice president vs. 47% for the presumptive GOP nominee. That’s due in part to Harris having stronger support from women.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, two people that have been floated as possible Biden replacements, perform similarly against Trump as Biden, the poll found.
An OpenLabs poll leaked to Puck spelled more bad news for Biden’s campaign. The poll, conducted 72 hours after the debate, found that Harris, Buttigieg, Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer all outperformed Biden against Trump in every battleground state.
The OpenLabs poll also found that 40% of Biden voters surveyed think he should end his campaign. That’s up from around 25% who expressed that view in May.
Trump Has Hit Pause On Announcing His VP Pick In Biden Debate Aftermath: NYT
Trump seems keen on allowing Biden’s performance in last week’s debate to remain at the in the spotlight, undisturbed by an announcement of his pick for vice president, two sources told The New York Times.
Trump has previously said he has chosen who his running mate will be. While reports in June indicated that Trump might announce his running mate ahead of the debate, The New York Times said he is now taking the timing of the Fourth of July holiday and the Republican National Convention into consideration.
Trump has previously said he has chosen who his running mate will be. While reports in June indicated that Trump might announce his running mate ahead of the debate, The New York Times said he is now taking the timing of the Fourth of July holiday and the Republican National Convention into consideration.
Joe Biden Says Debate Night Wasn’t His ‘Best,’ 'Wasn't Very Smart' To Travel Beforehand
Biden addressed supporters at a fundraiser in McLean, Va., on Tuesday, telling those gathered that he knows he “didn’t have my best debate night” while adding he’s “feeling good about what’s happening.” He said his campaign has raised $38 million since his appearance on stage with Trump.
“I wasn’t very smart,” Biden said, per The Washington Post’s Matt Viser. “I decided to travel around the world a couple times, going through I don’t know how many time zones — for real I think it [was] 15 time zones...I didn’t listen to my staff.”
“And then I came back and nearly fell asleep on stage," he said.
“I wasn’t very smart,” Biden said, per The Washington Post’s Matt Viser. “I decided to travel around the world a couple times, going through I don’t know how many time zones — for real I think it [was] 15 time zones...I didn’t listen to my staff.”
“And then I came back and nearly fell asleep on stage," he said.
Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Kamala Harris Says Not To Judge Joe Biden By One Bad Night
In remarks at a fundraiser in San Francisco, Harris conceded Biden’s poor debate performance but called on his supporters not to judge him based on one night.
She acknowledged the “two elephants in the room,” referring to Biden’s debate performance and Trump (the Republican party uses the animal as a symbol of its party.)
“The debate, as the president said, not his finest hour. We all know that,” she said, according to a pool report.
But an election can’t be decided by “one day in June,” she added.
She acknowledged the “two elephants in the room,” referring to Biden’s debate performance and Trump (the Republican party uses the animal as a symbol of its party.)
“The debate, as the president said, not his finest hour. We all know that,” she said, according to a pool report.
But an election can’t be decided by “one day in June,” she added.
Biden To Visit Wisconsin, Pennsylvania This Week
The White House Press Office said Tuesday the president would make trips to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in the coming days.
Biden will visit Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday. On Sunday, he and the first lady will visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Neither trip was included on the week ahead guidance sent by the White House Press Office on June 30. Biden's initial schedule stated he would travel to Delaware, where he has a home, on Friday.
Biden will visit Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday. On Sunday, he and the first lady will visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Neither trip was included on the week ahead guidance sent by the White House Press Office on June 30. Biden's initial schedule stated he would travel to Delaware, where he has a home, on Friday.
White House Downplays Hunter Biden's Presence In Meetings
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged Tuesday that the president's son participated in a White House meeting but suggested he hasn't taken a formal role.
In response to question about an NBC News report that Hunter Biden had become something of a regular presence in meetings with senior White House advisors, Jean-Pierre said the president's son attended only one meeting ahead of last week's debate.
"He came back with his dad from Camp David," Jean-Pierre. "He walked him to the speech prep and he was in the room."
President Biden has always kept his family close and has stood by Hunter amid legal troubles connected to a past crack cocaine addiction. Hunter wrote in his 2021 memoir that he and his late brother Beau Biden strongly encouraged their father in his presidential runs.
Hunter Biden and other family members have reportedly urged Joe Biden to stay in the presidential race during a family meeting on Sunday following Biden's bad debate performance against Donald Trump last week.
Jean-Pierre did not directly respond to a question about whether Hunter Biden is participating in meetings with other advisors, but suggested he'd be around.
"It is a week where there will be more family members that are going to come to the White House," she said. "I am sure you will see some of them on the Fourth of July."
In response to question about an NBC News report that Hunter Biden had become something of a regular presence in meetings with senior White House advisors, Jean-Pierre said the president's son attended only one meeting ahead of last week's debate.
"He came back with his dad from Camp David," Jean-Pierre. "He walked him to the speech prep and he was in the room."
President Biden has always kept his family close and has stood by Hunter amid legal troubles connected to a past crack cocaine addiction. Hunter wrote in his 2021 memoir that he and his late brother Beau Biden strongly encouraged their father in his presidential runs.
Hunter Biden and other family members have reportedly urged Joe Biden to stay in the presidential race during a family meeting on Sunday following Biden's bad debate performance against Donald Trump last week.
Jean-Pierre did not directly respond to a question about whether Hunter Biden is participating in meetings with other advisors, but suggested he'd be around.
"It is a week where there will be more family members that are going to come to the White House," she said. "I am sure you will see some of them on the Fourth of July."
Rep. Clyburn Says He’d Support Harris If Biden Stepped Aside
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) has said he would support Harris' presidential candidacy if Biden decided to drop his re-election bid, though he hopes the president does not.
“We should do everything we can to bolster her, whether she’s his second place or at the top of the ticket,” Clyburn, who is the co-chair of the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign, said in an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell on Tuesday.
“I want this ticket to continue to be Biden-Harris, and then we’ll see what happens after the next election,” he added.
Clyburn said he’s spoken with people who have expressed concern about Biden’s debate performance, which Clyburn has told CNN he suspects is related to “preparation overload.” But overwhelmingly those he’s spoken with have “dug in” and want to see Biden continue.
“When you’re 81 years old, you’re not as nimble as you are at 21,” Clyburn said, while noting that he’s almost three years older than Biden and sometimes makes his own mistakes.
“We should do everything we can to bolster her, whether she’s his second place or at the top of the ticket,” Clyburn, who is the co-chair of the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign, said in an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell on Tuesday.
“I want this ticket to continue to be Biden-Harris, and then we’ll see what happens after the next election,” he added.
Clyburn said he’s spoken with people who have expressed concern about Biden’s debate performance, which Clyburn has told CNN he suspects is related to “preparation overload.” But overwhelmingly those he’s spoken with have “dug in” and want to see Biden continue.
“When you’re 81 years old, you’re not as nimble as you are at 21,” Clyburn said, while noting that he’s almost three years older than Biden and sometimes makes his own mistakes.
Joe Biden’s Lapses Have Become More Common: NYT Report
People who spend time with Biden told The New York Times that the president has “increasingly appeared confused or listless, or would lose the thread of conversations” in recent weeks and months.
“In interviews, people in the room with him more recently said that the lapses seemed to be growing more frequent, more pronounced and more worrisome,” the Times reported.
Read the whole story here.
“In interviews, people in the room with him more recently said that the lapses seemed to be growing more frequent, more pronounced and more worrisome,” the Times reported.
Read the whole story here.
Hunter Biden Joining Post-Debate White House Meetings: Report
Hunter Biden, the president’s son, has been joining White House meetings with his father and his top aides post-debate, people familiar with the matter told NBC News. His presence at official meetings is unusual, leaving aides “struck by his presence,” the outlet reported. According to one of the sources, Hunter Biden has been closely advising his father.
A Delaware jury found the president’s son guilty last month on gun-related charges. He has also been indicted on tax-related felonies, to which he’s pleaded not guilty.
A Delaware jury found the president’s son guilty last month on gun-related charges. He has also been indicted on tax-related felonies, to which he’s pleaded not guilty.
Sentencing In Trump Hush Money Trial Delayed
Biden To Hold Press Conference Next Week
Biden To Give First Post-Debate Interview
Biden will sit down for his first post-debate interview this Friday with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, the network has announced.
A “first look of the interview” will air on “World News Tonight with David Muir” on Friday at 6:30 p.m EST, followed by portions of it released during “Good Morning America” on Saturday and Sunday.
The extended interview will air Sunday on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” and again on “Good Morning America” on Monday, July 8, the network said.
A “first look of the interview” will air on “World News Tonight with David Muir” on Friday at 6:30 p.m EST, followed by portions of it released during “Good Morning America” on Saturday and Sunday.
The extended interview will air Sunday on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” and again on “Good Morning America” on Monday, July 8, the network said.
Manchin Threatened To Break With Biden Post-Debate: Report
The Washington Post reports that Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) had planned to break with Biden on a Sunday news show after the president's questionable debate last week, but was pressured against the move by senior Democrats.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Key Moment
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
First Democrat Member Of Congress Calls On Joe Biden To Step Down
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) just became the first Democrat member of Congress to formally say Biden should not run for reelection and instead let another member of his party step in.
“Recognizing that, unlike Trump, President Biden’s first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw,” Doggett said in a statement. “I respectfully call on him to do so.”
"Too much is at stake to risk a Trump victory," he continued, adding: "President Biden saved our democracy by delivering us from Trump in 2020. He must not deliver us to Trump in 2024."
“Recognizing that, unlike Trump, President Biden’s first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw,” Doggett said in a statement. “I respectfully call on him to do so.”
"Too much is at stake to risk a Trump victory," he continued, adding: "President Biden saved our democracy by delivering us from Trump in 2020. He must not deliver us to Trump in 2024."
Trump Can Motion To Dismiss Hush Money Conviction: Manhattan DA
Donald Trump will likely use Monday's Supreme Court immunity decision to argue his hush money conviction should be tossed — and the Manhattan District Attorney won't oppose such a motion, the office said Tuesday.
It seems likely at this point that Trump's sentencing — set for July 11 — will be delayed.
Read the Manhattan DA's filing, first reported by ABC news, here:
It seems likely at this point that Trump's sentencing — set for July 11 — will be delayed.
Read the Manhattan DA's filing, first reported by ABC news, here:
Dem Says Biden Should Be 'Honest With Himself' About Presidential Race
Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley (Ill.) told CNN that Biden needs to be "honest with himself" about his presidential run, arguing that his decision would impact House and Senate races "for decades to come/"
Dem Senator Calls Out Biden's 'Dismissive Attitude' Since Debte
Vermont Sen. Peter Welch took a shot at Biden over what he called a "dismissive attitude" in the wake of his disastrous debate performance.
“I really do criticize the campaign for a dismissive attitude towards people who are raising questions for discussion. That’s just facing the reality that we’re in,” Welch told Semafor on Monday. “But that’s the discussion we have to have. It has to be from the top levels of the Biden campaign to precinct captains in the southside of Chicago.”
Welch added that party donors had growing concerns about Biden in the days since.
“I really do criticize the campaign for a dismissive attitude towards people who are raising questions for discussion. That’s just facing the reality that we’re in,” Welch told Semafor on Monday. “But that’s the discussion we have to have. It has to be from the top levels of the Biden campaign to precinct captains in the southside of Chicago.”
Welch added that party donors had growing concerns about Biden in the days since.
Biden Aides 'Shocked' At His Debate Appearance, Reporter Says
Biden aides were “just as shocked as many other Democrats on the Hill" were to see the president stumble in last week's debate, Axios national political correspondent Alex Thompson told CNN.
Staffers are looking for answers, including about whether this was “the first time that Joe Biden acted like that, that blank-face stare, the mouth agape, not being able to put sentences together,” Thompson said.
Watch Thompson's full interview here.
Staffers are looking for answers, including about whether this was “the first time that Joe Biden acted like that, that blank-face stare, the mouth agape, not being able to put sentences together,” Thompson said.
Watch Thompson's full interview here.
Opinion: Should Biden Drop Out?
In an op-ed for HuffPost, Bruce Maiman goes into the dilemma Democrats face following "Biden’s excruciatingly painful performance" at the debate.
"There are no good options," Maiman writes. "Every path is fraught with challenges, and right now, they all seem to lead to electoral disaster and a Trump victory."
Read Maiman's full piece below.
"There are no good options," Maiman writes. "Every path is fraught with challenges, and right now, they all seem to lead to electoral disaster and a Trump victory."
Read Maiman's full piece below.
Campaign Chair Says Team Has More Work To Do Because Of Biden's Age
In a Zoom call with over 500 donors, Jen O'Malley Dillon, the chair of Biden's 2024 campaign, admitted the debate "did not go exactly as we had hoped and exactly as the president had hoped.”
The call, which The New York Times was able to listen in on through an authorized participant, was meant to quell concerns about the future of Biden's White House bid after his underwhelming showing at the CNN debate.
O'Malley Dillon said the president knows he has to convince voters he is fit to serve for another four years. Biden would be 86 at the end of a potential second term.
While O'Malley Dillon cited Barack Obama's poor performance in a 2012 debate as an example of a candidate's ability to bounce back and win the race, she said Biden's team has “more work to do because the president is 81.”
The call, which The New York Times was able to listen in on through an authorized participant, was meant to quell concerns about the future of Biden's White House bid after his underwhelming showing at the CNN debate.
O'Malley Dillon said the president knows he has to convince voters he is fit to serve for another four years. Biden would be 86 at the end of a potential second term.
While O'Malley Dillon cited Barack Obama's poor performance in a 2012 debate as an example of a candidate's ability to bounce back and win the race, she said Biden's team has “more work to do because the president is 81.”
Ex-Obama Staffer Says Debate Timing A 'Gift' To Democrats
Jon Favreau, a former speechwriter for former President Barack Obama, said Biden agreeing to debate Trump this early in the campaign cycle, ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August, was a "gift" to the party.
"If the debate was in October, I would be holding my tongue," Favreau, the host of the popular "Pod Save America" podcast, told The New York Times.
Favreau also took issue with those trying to silence criticism of Biden's debate appearance, noting the head-to-head was watched by millions of Americans.
"You can’t just tell people who are criticizing that they’re bed-wetters and crazy," he added.
"If the debate was in October, I would be holding my tongue," Favreau, the host of the popular "Pod Save America" podcast, told The New York Times.
Favreau also took issue with those trying to silence criticism of Biden's debate appearance, noting the head-to-head was watched by millions of Americans.
"You can’t just tell people who are criticizing that they’re bed-wetters and crazy," he added.
Jen Psaki Defends Biden's Debate Prep Team
MSNBC host Jen Psaki, who previously served as press secretary in Biden's White House, said blaming members of the president's debate prep team, like former Chief of Staff Ron Klain, for Biden's poor performance is "absurd."
"It was a bad debate," Psaki wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "I have no doubt they were tough, strategic and direct. (Believe me I have seen them in action) but prep does not always determine the outcome."
"Biden was bad. Important convos about what happens next. But if you are directing your ire at 'prep' you are not talking about the right things," Psaki continued.
"It was a bad debate," Psaki wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "I have no doubt they were tough, strategic and direct. (Believe me I have seen them in action) but prep does not always determine the outcome."
"Biden was bad. Important convos about what happens next. But if you are directing your ire at 'prep' you are not talking about the right things," Psaki continued.
Carl Bernstein: Joe Biden Has Appeared Similarly To Debate Performance Many Times
Watergate journalist Carl Bernstein said on CNN Monday night sources have told him Biden has appeared similarly to his performance in last week’s debate more than a dozen times in the last 18 months, troubling those close to him.
“These are people, several of them who are very close to Joe Biden, who love him … and they are adamant that what we saw the other night, the Joe Biden we saw, is not a one-off,” Bernstein recounted to CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “There have been 15, 20 occasions in the last year and a half when the president has appeared somewhat as he did in that horror show.”
He went on to say his sources have told him in the last six months there has been a “marked incidence” of cognitive decline.
“What these folks are saying and have said for a while is: ‘Yes, he’s great when we see him as we have tonight," Bernstein said, referencing Biden's address on the recent Supreme Court ruling. "'But he also has these inexplicable moments that we are very concerned about.'”
“These are people, several of them who are very close to Joe Biden, who love him … and they are adamant that what we saw the other night, the Joe Biden we saw, is not a one-off,” Bernstein recounted to CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “There have been 15, 20 occasions in the last year and a half when the president has appeared somewhat as he did in that horror show.”
He went on to say his sources have told him in the last six months there has been a “marked incidence” of cognitive decline.
“What these folks are saying and have said for a while is: ‘Yes, he’s great when we see him as we have tonight," Bernstein said, referencing Biden's address on the recent Supreme Court ruling. "'But he also has these inexplicable moments that we are very concerned about.'”
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse Says He Was ‘Horrified’ After Debate
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said in an interview Monday he was “horrified” with Biden’s performance during last week’s debate and said he was among many people who want to hear more about the president’s day-to-day performance.
“I think people want to make sure that this is a campaign that’s ready to go and win,” Whitehouse told WPRI, a local CBS affiliate in Rhode Island. “That the president and his team are being candid with us about his condition, that this was a real anomaly and not just the way he is these days.”
“I think people want to make sure that this is a campaign that’s ready to go and win,” Whitehouse told WPRI, a local CBS affiliate in Rhode Island. “That the president and his team are being candid with us about his condition, that this was a real anomaly and not just the way he is these days.”
Debate Moderator Jake Tapper Shares Serious Concern About Joe Biden
Jake Tapper, one of the debate moderators, delivered a frank opening monologue on his show Monday about Biden’s performance on stage last week, calling it “stunningly flawed” and criticizing his surrogates for their spin on the issue.
“There is a pattern, a discernible pattern, of Democratic officials seemingly trying to convince you, the public, to not believe what you saw and what you heard with your eyes and with your ears on Thursday night,” Tapper said at the opening of CNN's “The Lead.”
“But behind the scenes, make no mistake, most Democratic officials witnessed the same shocking spectacle that you did,” he continued.
Tapper had Biden national co-chair Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) on later in the episode. When Tapper asked about Biden’s dearth of press conferences, Coons tried to pivot the conversation to Trump’s lies during the debate.
“This is not the discussion that we’re having,” Tapper stopped him, then said Biden could settle concerns about his age and cognitive fitness by holding a lengthy press conference.
“The fact that you haven’t done that says quite a bit to me,” Tapper said.
“There is a pattern, a discernible pattern, of Democratic officials seemingly trying to convince you, the public, to not believe what you saw and what you heard with your eyes and with your ears on Thursday night,” Tapper said at the opening of CNN's “The Lead.”
“But behind the scenes, make no mistake, most Democratic officials witnessed the same shocking spectacle that you did,” he continued.
Tapper had Biden national co-chair Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) on later in the episode. When Tapper asked about Biden’s dearth of press conferences, Coons tried to pivot the conversation to Trump’s lies during the debate.
“This is not the discussion that we’re having,” Tapper stopped him, then said Biden could settle concerns about his age and cognitive fitness by holding a lengthy press conference.
“The fact that you haven’t done that says quite a bit to me,” Tapper said.
Post-Debate Poll Shows Donald Trump Slightly Besting Joe Biden In New Hampshire
Trump has taken a slight edge over Biden in favorability among registered voters in New Hampshire, according to the results of a recent poll conducted after the debate that overall found voters unhappy with both candidates.
The Saint Anselm College poll, released Monday and conducted June 28-29, shows Trump besting Biden 44% to 42%.
The last Saint Anselm poll, conducted in December 2023, showed Trump trailing Biden by 10 points.
In the new poll, Trump had a 42% favorability rating among polled voters while Biden had 39% favorability rating.
Biden was the top choice of those who said they dislike both candidates, however, with 30% of these voters choosing Biden and 13% choosing Trump.
“If the election were held today, Trump would edge out Biden in New Hampshire with support at 44% versus 42%,” the poll concluded.
Biden won New Hampshire in the 2020 general election, garnering 52.9% of the vote while Trump picked up 45.5%.
The Saint Anselm College poll, released Monday and conducted June 28-29, shows Trump besting Biden 44% to 42%.
The last Saint Anselm poll, conducted in December 2023, showed Trump trailing Biden by 10 points.
In the new poll, Trump had a 42% favorability rating among polled voters while Biden had 39% favorability rating.
Biden was the top choice of those who said they dislike both candidates, however, with 30% of these voters choosing Biden and 13% choosing Trump.
“If the election were held today, Trump would edge out Biden in New Hampshire with support at 44% versus 42%,” the poll concluded.
Biden won New Hampshire in the 2020 general election, garnering 52.9% of the vote while Trump picked up 45.5%.
Bloomberg Reports DNC May Nominate Biden As Early As July 21; DNC Spokesperson Denies Report
The Democratic National Committee could officially dub Biden as its presidential nominee as early as July 21, Bloomberg reported on Monday citing anonymous sources.
The move could be an attempt to solidify Biden as the party’s nominee following concerns over his debate performance and calls for him to drop out of the presidential race, Bloomberg also reported.
However, prior to the debate the committee had already voted in favor of meeting virtually that day, according to a June 21 report from the Ohio Capital Journal. The DNC is planning a virtual roll call vote on the nomination to make sure the incumbent president appears on the Ohio general election ballot.
If the official nomination does come during the virtual meeting, it would arrive 10 days after Trump’s scheduled sentencing for his hush money case on July 11 and a few days after Trump’s likely acceptance of the Republican official nomination during the Republican National Convention.
DNC spokesperson Rosemary Boeglin denied Bloomberg's assertion that the virtual vote would come early because of Biden's debate performance and the ensuing backlash.
"This is false," Boeglin wrote on X. "We've said for weeks that the DNC would hold a virtual roll call in the lead-up to our in-person convention as a result of the OH GOP's bad-faith attempts to keep Joe Biden off of their general election ballot. This is not new, as you note in your own reporting."
The move could be an attempt to solidify Biden as the party’s nominee following concerns over his debate performance and calls for him to drop out of the presidential race, Bloomberg also reported.
However, prior to the debate the committee had already voted in favor of meeting virtually that day, according to a June 21 report from the Ohio Capital Journal. The DNC is planning a virtual roll call vote on the nomination to make sure the incumbent president appears on the Ohio general election ballot.
If the official nomination does come during the virtual meeting, it would arrive 10 days after Trump’s scheduled sentencing for his hush money case on July 11 and a few days after Trump’s likely acceptance of the Republican official nomination during the Republican National Convention.
DNC spokesperson Rosemary Boeglin denied Bloomberg's assertion that the virtual vote would come early because of Biden's debate performance and the ensuing backlash.
"This is false," Boeglin wrote on X. "We've said for weeks that the DNC would hold a virtual roll call in the lead-up to our in-person convention as a result of the OH GOP's bad-faith attempts to keep Joe Biden off of their general election ballot. This is not new, as you note in your own reporting."
Trump Boosts QAnon Conspiracy Slogan On Social Media
Amid a flurry of posts on his social media site Monday, Trump boosted a post featuring the "where we go one, we go all” slogan made famous by the violent QAnon conspiracy movement.
Read more from HuffPost's Jonathan Nicholson:
Read more from HuffPost's Jonathan Nicholson:
Kentucky Gov.: Biden's Debate Was 'Rough'
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) called Biden's debate performance "rough."
"It was a very bad night for the president," he told reporters Monday while noting that "as long as he continues to be in the race, I support him."
When asked if he'd potentially step into the role of nominee, Beshear said only Biden could determine his own future as a candidate.
"It was a very bad night for the president," he told reporters Monday while noting that "as long as he continues to be in the race, I support him."
When asked if he'd potentially step into the role of nominee, Beshear said only Biden could determine his own future as a candidate.
Gretchen Whitmer Disputes Michigan 'Unwinnable' Report: 'Full Of Shit'
Whitmer pushed back on a Politico report that she had told Biden's campaign that Michigan was not a winnable state for the president after Thursday's debate.
"Anyone who claims I would say that we can’t win Michigan is full of shit," the Michigan governor posted on social media with a link to her political action committee supporting Biden's re-election campaign. "Let’s go."
"Anyone who claims I would say that we can’t win Michigan is full of shit," the Michigan governor posted on social media with a link to her political action committee supporting Biden's re-election campaign. "Let’s go."
Biden's Schedule This Week
The president has a fairly light schedule this week, according to the White House.
On Tuesday, Biden is scheduled to deliver remarks on extreme weather and get a briefing at the D.C. Emergency Operations Center. He will give remarks at a Medal of Honor Ceremony on Wednesday, and on Thursday he'll celebrate Independence Day with a barbecue and Fourth of July Celebration with members of the military and their families.
Biden is scheduled to travel to Delaware on Friday.
On Tuesday, Biden is scheduled to deliver remarks on extreme weather and get a briefing at the D.C. Emergency Operations Center. He will give remarks at a Medal of Honor Ceremony on Wednesday, and on Thursday he'll celebrate Independence Day with a barbecue and Fourth of July Celebration with members of the military and their families.
Biden is scheduled to travel to Delaware on Friday.
Supreme Court: Trump Has 'Absolute Immunity' For Core Constitutional Powers
The U.S. Supreme Court has found that Donald Trump enjoys complete immunity for his coup-attempt-related presidential actions that were “official” in nature but not for those that were “unofficial,” in a ruling that effectively makes a trial on his Jan. 6, 2021, charges impossible before the November election.
Monday’s 6-3 decision, split down ideological lines, sends the question of deciding what is “official” and therefore immune from prosecution back to the lower courts, meaning that a “mini-trial” — featuring former high-level Trump aides testifying against him — is likely in the coming months.
Read more here:
Monday’s 6-3 decision, split down ideological lines, sends the question of deciding what is “official” and therefore immune from prosecution back to the lower courts, meaning that a “mini-trial” — featuring former high-level Trump aides testifying against him — is likely in the coming months.
Read more here:
Whitmer Told Biden Campaign She Has No Interest In Replacing Him: Report
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been floated as one the Democrats who could replace Biden if he chooses to drop out of the presidential race, reportedly told a Biden campaign official Friday she continues to stand by the president and has no interest in replacing him.
Whitmer, though, reportedly warned Biden's campaign chair Jennifer O’Malley Dillon that Michigan, a battleground state, is "no longer winnable for Biden" following his poor debate performance, according to Politico's Jonathan Martin,
Read more from Martin's report below.
Whitmer, though, reportedly warned Biden's campaign chair Jennifer O’Malley Dillon that Michigan, a battleground state, is "no longer winnable for Biden" following his poor debate performance, according to Politico's Jonathan Martin,
Read more from Martin's report below.
Trump Boasts Of ‘Greatest’ Debate Performance, Bashes Biden
Trump called his debate performance “the greatest single debate performance” in the nation’s history on Monday while bashing Biden, saying he “‘choked’ like a dog” and “is a cognitive mess.”
“In all fairness, and I say in complete and total modesty, many, on both sides of the political spectrum, have said it was the greatest single debate performance in the long and storied history of Presidential Debates,” he said of himself in a post on his TruthSocial account.
Trump did not cite any specific source for this extreme self-boasting. Biden has been widely criticized for his raspy voice, garbled responses and slow movements during Thursday night’s event. Trump has been criticized for consistently making misleading and false claims.
“In all fairness, and I say in complete and total modesty, many, on both sides of the political spectrum, have said it was the greatest single debate performance in the long and storied history of Presidential Debates,” he said of himself in a post on his TruthSocial account.
Trump did not cite any specific source for this extreme self-boasting. Biden has been widely criticized for his raspy voice, garbled responses and slow movements during Thursday night’s event. Trump has been criticized for consistently making misleading and false claims.
Fetterman Sticks By Biden
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) expressed his support for Biden staying in the presidential race with a sweary interview on Fox News on Sunday.
"That whole abandon Biden thing, that’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard," Fetterman said.
"That whole abandon Biden thing, that’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard," Fetterman said.
Philadelphia Inquirer Flips The Calls To Quit
The Philadelphia Inquirer published an editorial with the headline, "To Serve His Country, Donald Trump Should Leave The Race."
The paper acknowledged that Biden's debate performance was a "disaster" but warned that the focus on Trump's behavior was being lost.
The paper acknowledged that Biden's debate performance was a "disaster" but warned that the focus on Trump's behavior was being lost.
Election Expert: 'Debates Are Not Predictive Of Outcomes'
History professor Allan Lichtman, who has a near-perfect record of predicting the outcome of presidential elections, said that the debate will have "zero" impact on the election.
He dismissed talk of Biden dropping out and said that questions over Biden's physical capabilities aren't coming from doctors.
"So this is all foolhardy nonsense. The same pundits and pollsters who led us down the primrose path in 2016 are giving the Democrats horrible advice," he said.
He dismissed talk of Biden dropping out and said that questions over Biden's physical capabilities aren't coming from doctors.
"So this is all foolhardy nonsense. The same pundits and pollsters who led us down the primrose path in 2016 are giving the Democrats horrible advice," he said.
Ezra Klein: 'This Isn't All Joe Biden's Fault'
New York Times columnist Ezra Klein criticized the Democratic Party for becoming an "enabler" of Biden's decisions rather than acting "as a check" on his ambitions.
"It is giving the American people an option they do not want and then threatening them with the end of democracy if they do not take it," Klein writes.
Klein added that the party should be working hard to present an alternative candidate to Biden "because there is not a plausible way for Democrats to convince voters that the man they saw on Thursday’s stage should be president three or four years from now."
Read Klein's full piece below.
"It is giving the American people an option they do not want and then threatening them with the end of democracy if they do not take it," Klein writes.
Klein added that the party should be working hard to present an alternative candidate to Biden "because there is not a plausible way for Democrats to convince voters that the man they saw on Thursday’s stage should be president three or four years from now."
Read Klein's full piece below.
Rev. Al Sharpton: Don't Count Joe Biden Out Just Yet
Rev. Al Sharpton, the president and founder of the National Action Network, urged Americans to not give up on Biden because of one bad debate performance, adding that the public should not forget what the president accomplished during his time in office.
"Did President Biden show up to the debate like he did when he delivered the 2024 State of the Union address? No," Sharpton said. "But as I’ve often stated, he is the ultimate comeback kid. I wouldn’t count him out just yet, and anyone who cares about this nation can’t afford to do so."
Read Sharpton's full op-ed for HuffPost below.
"Did President Biden show up to the debate like he did when he delivered the 2024 State of the Union address? No," Sharpton said. "But as I’ve often stated, he is the ultimate comeback kid. I wouldn’t count him out just yet, and anyone who cares about this nation can’t afford to do so."
Read Sharpton's full op-ed for HuffPost below.
Iowa Democrat And Fellow Ex-Senator Says Joe Biden Should Step Aside
Former Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who served alongside Biden for more than two decades in the Senate, said that his former colleague should release his delegates and step aside from the race after poorly performing at the debate.
The Iowa Democrat, himself a former presidential candidate, sent a letter to friends and supporters describing the president’s debate performance as “a disaster from which Biden cannot recover.” Harkin’s remarks were first reported Friday in journalist Julie Gammack’s column, Iowa Potluck, before being confirmed by the Des Moines Registerand CNN.
“Of course, Trump’s answers were meandering, gobbledygook and full of lies,” Harkin wrote. “BUT they were said with force and directness.”
The 84-year-old reportedly encouraged all incumbent Democratic senators, as well as some governors, to ask Biden to release his delegates and step out of the presidential race so that the Democratic National Convention can choose another candidate, a move Harkin said could “energize the party at all levels and capture the general public’s attention — many of whom would like an alternative to Trump.”
“This is a perilous time and is more important than Joe Biden's ego or desire to stay president,” Harkin wrote.
The Iowa Democrat, himself a former presidential candidate, sent a letter to friends and supporters describing the president’s debate performance as “a disaster from which Biden cannot recover.” Harkin’s remarks were first reported Friday in journalist Julie Gammack’s column, Iowa Potluck, before being confirmed by the Des Moines Registerand CNN.
“Of course, Trump’s answers were meandering, gobbledygook and full of lies,” Harkin wrote. “BUT they were said with force and directness.”
The 84-year-old reportedly encouraged all incumbent Democratic senators, as well as some governors, to ask Biden to release his delegates and step out of the presidential race so that the Democratic National Convention can choose another candidate, a move Harkin said could “energize the party at all levels and capture the general public’s attention — many of whom would like an alternative to Trump.”
“This is a perilous time and is more important than Joe Biden's ego or desire to stay president,” Harkin wrote.
Top Democratic Donor Rips Biden Advisers In Charge Of Debate Prep
A major Democratic donor has been publicly attacking one of Biden’s campaign advisers who helped manage debate preparations for the president, implying that the Democratic candidate’s team is to blame for his setback.
In several posts on X, formerly called Twitter, John Morgan went after White House senior adviser Anita Dunn, as well as her husband and Biden’s personal attorney, Bob Bauer, saying that Biden’s team had “failed him” when it came to the debate.
“Format was a disaster for him and a plus for Trump. He over practiced and was drained… who wouldn’t be,” Morgan wrote in one of his posts on Sunday. “Biden has for too long been fooled by the value of Anita Dunn and her husband. They need to go… TODAY. The grifting is gross. It was political malpractice.”
Morgan later told The New York Times that he also blames adviser and former White House chief of staff Ron Klain for not preparing Biden well enough for the debate. The Times reported that Biden himself still trusts Klain, Dunn and Bauer.
On Saturday, Dunn said on MSNBC’s “This Weekend” that Biden’s supporters and donors are still excited about his campaign and that she did not have a discussion with him about potentially dropping out of the race following the debate.
In several posts on X, formerly called Twitter, John Morgan went after White House senior adviser Anita Dunn, as well as her husband and Biden’s personal attorney, Bob Bauer, saying that Biden’s team had “failed him” when it came to the debate.
“Format was a disaster for him and a plus for Trump. He over practiced and was drained… who wouldn’t be,” Morgan wrote in one of his posts on Sunday. “Biden has for too long been fooled by the value of Anita Dunn and her husband. They need to go… TODAY. The grifting is gross. It was political malpractice.”
Morgan later told The New York Times that he also blames adviser and former White House chief of staff Ron Klain for not preparing Biden well enough for the debate. The Times reported that Biden himself still trusts Klain, Dunn and Bauer.
On Saturday, Dunn said on MSNBC’s “This Weekend” that Biden’s supporters and donors are still excited about his campaign and that she did not have a discussion with him about potentially dropping out of the race following the debate.
Joe Biden Urged By Family To Stay In The Race Despite Debate Fallout
The Bidens told the president on Sunday to keep fighting as the Democratic candidate despite the massive fallout in the wake of his poor debate performance, according to The New York Times.
It was previously known that Biden would be privately meeting with his family at Camp David to discuss how to proceed in the race, with some Democrats encouraging him to push forward while others hinted at replacing him with another candidate. The president was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren, with Hunter Biden – who was recently embroiled in his own controversy – reportedly being one of the strongest voices telling his father to stay in the race.
“Hunter Biden wants Americans to see the version of his father that he knows – scrappy and in command of the facts – rather than the stumbling, aging president Americans saw on Thursday night,” the Times read.
Dr. Jill Biden, the first lady, has already delivered remarks to the public since Thursday in defense of the president.
It was previously known that Biden would be privately meeting with his family at Camp David to discuss how to proceed in the race, with some Democrats encouraging him to push forward while others hinted at replacing him with another candidate. The president was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren, with Hunter Biden – who was recently embroiled in his own controversy – reportedly being one of the strongest voices telling his father to stay in the race.
“Hunter Biden wants Americans to see the version of his father that he knows – scrappy and in command of the facts – rather than the stumbling, aging president Americans saw on Thursday night,” the Times read.
Dr. Jill Biden, the first lady, has already delivered remarks to the public since Thursday in defense of the president.
Biden Allies Assemble On Sunday Shows For Debate Damage Control
Biden’s allies appeared on several cable networks to engage in post-debate damage control efforts. The Democrats echoed the Biden campaign’s position that, while the president did not perform well at the debate, he is still the candidate most capable of defeating his predecessor.
“Look, I think it was a weak debate performance by President Biden. He had a … scratchy, rough voice. He answered a few questions in ways that were not the most forceful,” Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) said on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday. “But I think side by side, Donald Trump had a horrifying debate performance where, yes, he spoke plainly, but what he said was lie after lie after lie that left most of those who watched either confirmed in their opinion to vote for Joe Biden or alarmed at the prospect of Donald Trump.”
Read more about the response from Biden’s allies here.
“Look, I think it was a weak debate performance by President Biden. He had a … scratchy, rough voice. He answered a few questions in ways that were not the most forceful,” Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) said on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday. “But I think side by side, Donald Trump had a horrifying debate performance where, yes, he spoke plainly, but what he said was lie after lie after lie that left most of those who watched either confirmed in their opinion to vote for Joe Biden or alarmed at the prospect of Donald Trump.”
Read more about the response from Biden’s allies here.
Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Jamie Raskin Say Dems Are Discussing Biden’s Political Future
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) both said on Sunday that Democrats are having ongoing discussions regarding Biden’s political future in the wake of his weak debate performance.
“We’re in the process of having conversations with various parts of the House Democratic Caucus that’s ongoing. That will continue,” Jeffries told MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” adding that discussions will be had over the phone and virtually due to the House going into recess for the Fourth of July.
Speaking to MSNBC’s Ali Velshi, Raskin also said that there are “very honest and serious, rigorous conversations taking place at every level of our party.” The Maryland Democrat implied that it’s normal for a political party with diverse perspectives to have such conversations, as compared to the apparent lack of discussion in the Republican Party after Trump was convicted.
“We’re in the process of having conversations with various parts of the House Democratic Caucus that’s ongoing. That will continue,” Jeffries told MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” adding that discussions will be had over the phone and virtually due to the House going into recess for the Fourth of July.
Speaking to MSNBC’s Ali Velshi, Raskin also said that there are “very honest and serious, rigorous conversations taking place at every level of our party.” The Maryland Democrat implied that it’s normal for a political party with diverse perspectives to have such conversations, as compared to the apparent lack of discussion in the Republican Party after Trump was convicted.
New Poll Says 72% Of Voters Don’t Think Joe Biden Has Mental, Cognitive Health To Serve
An increasing number of voters don’t believe that Biden should run for reelection after the president tanked Thursday’s debate, according to a new CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday.The survey, taken on June 28-29, shows that 72% of respondents who are registered voters do not think that Biden has the mental and cognitive health to serve as president, compared with 65% on June 9.The increase also applies to Democrats – 41% of respondents who are registered Democratic voters believe Biden does not have the mental and cognitive health to serve, compared with 29% on June 9.Comparatively, about half of the respondents who are registered voters think Trump has the mental and cognitive health to serve as president, according to the poll.Most voters who don’t think Biden should run cite both his age and his effectiveness in office as the top two reasons, according to the poll.You can read the full breakdown of the survey here.
Report: Top Democrats Privately Express Reservations About Biden
NBC News reports that top Democrats in Congress have privately expressed reservations about Biden:
"So far, the party’s top leaders have offered public support for Biden, including in tweets posted by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Senior congressional Democrats, including Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and Nancy Pelosi of California, have privately expressed concerns about his viability, said two sources apprised of those discussions, even as they all publicly back the president."
Read the full story here.
"So far, the party’s top leaders have offered public support for Biden, including in tweets posted by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Senior congressional Democrats, including Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and Nancy Pelosi of California, have privately expressed concerns about his viability, said two sources apprised of those discussions, even as they all publicly back the president."
Read the full story here.
After President's Debate Debacle, Jill Biden Delivering The Message That They're Still All In
The AP reports First Lady Jill Biden is rallying support and taking a leading campaign role after her husband's alarming debate performance on Thursday night.
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NBC News: Biden Expected To Discuss Future Of Campaign With Family On Sunday
NBC News reports that President Joe Biden will travel to Camp David Sunday where he and First Lady Jill Biden are scheduled to join their children and grandchildren.
The trip had been planned before Thursday's debate, in which Biden gave a disastrous performance that has left Democrats on edge.
According to NBC News sources, "there is an understanding among top Democrats that Biden should be given space to determine next steps."
Insiders reportedly "believe only the president, in consultation with his family, can decide whether to move forward or to end his campaign early."
Read the full report at NBC News.
The trip had been planned before Thursday's debate, in which Biden gave a disastrous performance that has left Democrats on edge.
According to NBC News sources, "there is an understanding among top Democrats that Biden should be given space to determine next steps."
Insiders reportedly "believe only the president, in consultation with his family, can decide whether to move forward or to end his campaign early."
Read the full report at NBC News.
Biden Makes Appeals To Donors As Concerns Persist Over His Presidential Debate Performance
The AP reports President Joe Biden is spending his Saturday reassuring donors after a dismal debate performance on Thursday.
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Demonstrators Outside Biden Hamptons Fundraiser
Protesters were photographed outside a Biden fundraiser in East Hampton, New York holding signs urging the president to drop out of the 2024 race "for democracy."
David Remnick Calls For Biden To Drop Out Of Presidential Race
New Yorker Editor David Remnick called for Biden to drop out of the presidential race following his disastrous debate performance on Thursday.
In a scathing editorial, Remnick said Biden’s age can no longer be ignored, and that watching him fumble during the debate was an “agonizing experience.”
“You watched it, and, on the most basic human level, you could only feel pity for the man and, more, fear for the country,” Remnick wrote.
While Remnick acknowledged that finding a new nominee would be an “admittedly complicated process,” he argued that it would still be the more “rational course.”
“To stay in the race would be pure vanity, uncharacteristic of someone whom most have come to view as decent and devoted to public service,” Remnick added.
Read the full editorial at The New Yorker.
In a scathing editorial, Remnick said Biden’s age can no longer be ignored, and that watching him fumble during the debate was an “agonizing experience.”
“You watched it, and, on the most basic human level, you could only feel pity for the man and, more, fear for the country,” Remnick wrote.
While Remnick acknowledged that finding a new nominee would be an “admittedly complicated process,” he argued that it would still be the more “rational course.”
“To stay in the race would be pure vanity, uncharacteristic of someone whom most have come to view as decent and devoted to public service,” Remnick added.
Read the full editorial at The New Yorker.
Bob Woodward Calls Joe Biden's Debate Performance A 'Political Hydrogen Bomb'
Bob Woodward, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and associate editor of the Washington Post, is calling on reporters to “very aggressively” seek “an explanation” for President Joe Biden’s disastrous performance during Thursday’s debate against Donald Trump.
Woodward, who said so Friday on MSNBC’s “The Beat,” told Ari Melber he was “shocked.”
“I sat there and watched it, and I could not believe it,” Woodward told Melber, likening Biden’s poor showing to a “political hydrogen bomb.”
Read more:
Woodward, who said so Friday on MSNBC’s “The Beat,” told Ari Melber he was “shocked.”
“I sat there and watched it, and I could not believe it,” Woodward told Melber, likening Biden’s poor showing to a “political hydrogen bomb.”
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New Report Suggests Reason Biden Appeared Sluggish At Debate
Biden is typically at his sharpest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to Axios, which cited discussions with eight current and former Biden aides.
Thursday night’s debate was five hours after that window. Quite simply, it might have been too late in the day for him to present his best self.
Axios reported that the staffers have seen “flashes of an absent-minded Biden” akin to the version who took long pauses and delivered meandering sentences in a low, hoarse voice onstage this week. But they reportedly dismiss these moments because he is alert and engaged at other times.
International travel is also particularly tiring for the president, the outlet said.
Thursday night’s debate was five hours after that window. Quite simply, it might have been too late in the day for him to present his best self.
Axios reported that the staffers have seen “flashes of an absent-minded Biden” akin to the version who took long pauses and delivered meandering sentences in a low, hoarse voice onstage this week. But they reportedly dismiss these moments because he is alert and engaged at other times.
International travel is also particularly tiring for the president, the outlet said.
Biden Tours Fundraising Events Amid Wealthy Donors’ Worries: Reports
The president is expected to appear at multiple private fundraisers this weekend, including an event at the East Hamptons home of hedge fund manager Barry Rosenstein, which is expected to be attended by actors Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, according to Bloomberg. The outlet reported that a bundler was not aware of any donors pulling out after Biden’s debate performance did not meet expectations.
But donors do appear to have deep concerns.
The New York Times reported Saturday that Silicon Valley executives were discussing among themselves how Biden could be forcibly removed as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee, or how they could get to Jill Biden and convince her to tell him to drop out. The Times said at least one Silicon Valley donor called off a fundraiser for Biden that was expected to be held later this summer.
Reid Hoffman, a venture capitalist and Democratic Party donor, reportedly wrote in an email that he has received “a lot” of questions about a potential pressure campaign to get Biden to drop out after his “(very) bad debate performance.” Hoffman said it “certainly delivered a blow to the mood among donors and organizers,” according to the Times.
Other news outlets, like USA Today and Variety, have also reported that Democratic donors are wary of Biden continuing his candidacy.
But donors do appear to have deep concerns.
The New York Times reported Saturday that Silicon Valley executives were discussing among themselves how Biden could be forcibly removed as the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee, or how they could get to Jill Biden and convince her to tell him to drop out. The Times said at least one Silicon Valley donor called off a fundraiser for Biden that was expected to be held later this summer.
Reid Hoffman, a venture capitalist and Democratic Party donor, reportedly wrote in an email that he has received “a lot” of questions about a potential pressure campaign to get Biden to drop out after his “(very) bad debate performance.” Hoffman said it “certainly delivered a blow to the mood among donors and organizers,” according to the Times.
Other news outlets, like USA Today and Variety, have also reported that Democratic donors are wary of Biden continuing his candidacy.
Joe Biden’s Childhood Neighbor: ‘It’s Time To Go’
A childhood neighbor of Biden’s from Pennsylvania has added his voice to the chorus urging the president not to run for another term in office.
“I write to you urgently, as your old neighbor from Scranton,” Jay Parini, now a Middlebury College instructor, wrote for CNN. “My mother was your babysitter, and you and I sat at my kitchen table many decades ago. I’ve been your admirer for years, sending you checks, knocking on doors and writing pieces supporting you.”
Parini praised Biden’s record, listing a number of accomplishments and stating that “few leaders in American history have had your big heart.”
“But you’re an old man now, like me,” Parini wrote.
He continued: “Sadly, that was evident to me from the moment you walked — dazed and confused — onto the debate stage Thursday in Atlanta against former President Donald Trump. You seemed ancient, pale and fragile.”
“You’re a man of huge integrity, Joe, and you must — you MUST — stand down,” he said.
Read the piece here.
“I write to you urgently, as your old neighbor from Scranton,” Jay Parini, now a Middlebury College instructor, wrote for CNN. “My mother was your babysitter, and you and I sat at my kitchen table many decades ago. I’ve been your admirer for years, sending you checks, knocking on doors and writing pieces supporting you.”
Parini praised Biden’s record, listing a number of accomplishments and stating that “few leaders in American history have had your big heart.”
“But you’re an old man now, like me,” Parini wrote.
He continued: “Sadly, that was evident to me from the moment you walked — dazed and confused — onto the debate stage Thursday in Atlanta against former President Donald Trump. You seemed ancient, pale and fragile.”
“You’re a man of huge integrity, Joe, and you must — you MUST — stand down,” he said.
Read the piece here.
Nikki Haley Says Republicans Should Prepare For ‘Vibrant’ Biden Replacement
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination before endorsing him in May, told The Wall Street Journal she thought the Democrats would surely replace Biden as their presumptive nominee.
“They are going to be smart about it: they’re going to bring somebody younger, they’re going to bring somebody vibrant, they’re going to bring somebody tested,” she told the outlet. “This is a time for Republicans to prepare and get ready for what’s to come because there is no way that there will be a surviving Democratic Party if they allow Joe Biden to continue to be the candidate.”
Addressing the president’s debate performance, Haley told the Journal, “It was shocking, I think, for a lot of people.”
“They are going to be smart about it: they’re going to bring somebody younger, they’re going to bring somebody vibrant, they’re going to bring somebody tested,” she told the outlet. “This is a time for Republicans to prepare and get ready for what’s to come because there is no way that there will be a surviving Democratic Party if they allow Joe Biden to continue to be the candidate.”
Addressing the president’s debate performance, Haley told the Journal, “It was shocking, I think, for a lot of people.”
Chuck Schumer Reportedly Signaled He Was Open To Replacing Biden As Candidate
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reportedly told his inner circle of political allies that he was open to the idea of replacing President Biden as a candidate if Thursday night’s debate went poorly, according to Axios.
While that predication seemed to come true after Biden’s lethargic and at times confusing debate performance, Schumer is reportedly still sticking with Biden for now.
"Leader Schumer has always supported and continues to support President Biden as the nominee and believes he will be re-elected," a Schumer spokesperson told Axios.
While that predication seemed to come true after Biden’s lethargic and at times confusing debate performance, Schumer is reportedly still sticking with Biden for now.
"Leader Schumer has always supported and continues to support President Biden as the nominee and believes he will be re-elected," a Schumer spokesperson told Axios.
James Carville Says Joe Biden Should Be Taken Off Election Ticket
Longtime Democratic strategist James Carvilletold Axios he doesn’t expect Biden to remain on the election ticket following a disastrous debate performance on Thursday.
“I never thought this was a nifty idea," Carville said of Biden's run. He added that Biden “doesn’t have advisers. He has employees.”
Carville, 79, also told NOLA.com that both Biden and Trump are too old to run for president.
“There’s nothing I saw last night that would dissuade me of that opinion at all,” Carville said of Thursday’s debate. “I still think what I thought. I can’t be any simpler.”
“I never thought this was a nifty idea," Carville said of Biden's run. He added that Biden “doesn’t have advisers. He has employees.”
Carville, 79, also told NOLA.com that both Biden and Trump are too old to run for president.
“There’s nothing I saw last night that would dissuade me of that opinion at all,” Carville said of Thursday’s debate. “I still think what I thought. I can’t be any simpler.”
Jill Biden Tells Fundraising Crowd What Her Husband Told Her After Debate
“So, let’s talk about last night’s debate, because I know it’s on your minds,” the first lady said at a Friday fundraiser inside a private New York City residence, according to The Washington Post. Initially, after President Biden’s debate performance, the first lady had said he did a “great job” for answering all the moderators’ questions while Trump failed to do so. Subsequently, the Biden camp has acknowledged concerns about the president’s shaky appearance.
“As Joe said earlier today, he’s not a young man,” Jill Biden continued, per the Post. “After last night’s debate, he said, ‘You know, Jill, I don’t know what happened. I didn’t feel that great.’”
The room reportedly erupted into applause when she suggested that a 90-minute debate could never define her husband’s entire term as president.
“What my husband does know how to do is tell the truth,” the first lady continued, the Post said. “When he gets knocked down, Joe gets back up, and that’s what we’re doing today.”
“As Joe said earlier today, he’s not a young man,” Jill Biden continued, per the Post. “After last night’s debate, he said, ‘You know, Jill, I don’t know what happened. I didn’t feel that great.’”
The room reportedly erupted into applause when she suggested that a 90-minute debate could never define her husband’s entire term as president.
“What my husband does know how to do is tell the truth,” the first lady continued, the Post said. “When he gets knocked down, Joe gets back up, and that’s what we’re doing today.”
Sen. John Fetterman Has Two Words For The NYT Op-Ed On Joe Biden
The New York Times editorial board published an op-ed on Friday calling for Biden to drop out of the presidential race after his bad performance at the presidential debate last night.
Fetterman, who defended Biden’s performance to others in the Democratic party, had just two words to say in response.
“fuck that,” he posted on X in response to the op-ed.
Fetterman, who defended Biden’s performance to others in the Democratic party, had just two words to say in response.
“fuck that,” he posted on X in response to the op-ed.
Joe Biden Channels Chumbawamba In Post-Debate Speech
Biden leaned on a bit of '90s nostalgia during his post-debate rally.
A few hours after his speech, Biden's official account tweeted a clip of the president declaring "when you get knocked down, you get back up" — a very similar line to the iconic chorus of Chumbawamba's 1997 hit "Tubthumping." Sure enough, the song kicks in a few seconds into the clip.
"My dad had an expression. He said, 'Champ, it’s not how many times you get knocked down. It’s how quickly you get up,'" Biden tweeted. "I'm told there's even a song about it."
A few hours after his speech, Biden's official account tweeted a clip of the president declaring "when you get knocked down, you get back up" — a very similar line to the iconic chorus of Chumbawamba's 1997 hit "Tubthumping." Sure enough, the song kicks in a few seconds into the clip.
"My dad had an expression. He said, 'Champ, it’s not how many times you get knocked down. It’s how quickly you get up,'" Biden tweeted. "I'm told there's even a song about it."
Would Getting Rid Of Joe Biden Be Worth The Chaos For Democrats?
Following Biden’s poor debate performance on Thursday night, a number of prominent Democrats are privately hoping he withdraws from the presidential race and gives the party a chance to nominate someone younger who may have a better chance of beating Donald Trump.
But the logistics of any hypothetical attempt to replace Biden are complicated.
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But the logistics of any hypothetical attempt to replace Biden are complicated.
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The High-Energy Biden Missing At Thursday Night's Debate Shows Up In North Carolina
Just hours after a disastrous debate performance that led to immediate calls to abandon his reelection campaign, Biden on Friday made clear that he had no intention of dropping out.
Biden held to a schedule that had been planned ahead of time, delivering a high-energy speech at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, before continuing on to New York City for a Friday night fundraiser, with three other fundraisers planned for Long Island and New Jersey on Saturday.
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Biden held to a schedule that had been planned ahead of time, delivering a high-energy speech at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, before continuing on to New York City for a Friday night fundraiser, with three other fundraisers planned for Long Island and New Jersey on Saturday.
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NYT Editorial Board Calls On Biden To Drop Out Of Race
The New York Times Editorial Board is officially calling for Biden to drop out of the race, citing the faith lost in his campaign after his concerning debate performance.
“The president appeared on Thursday night as the shadow of a great public servant,” the board wrote. “He struggled to explain what he would accomplish in a second term. He struggled to respond to Mr. Trump’s provocations. He struggled to hold Mr. Trump accountable for his lies, his failures and his chilling plans. More than once, he struggled to make it to the end of a sentence.”
The board said it would still endorse Biden over Trump if another Democratic challenger doesn’t step forward.
“If the race comes down to a choice between Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden, the sitting president would be this board’s unequivocal pick. That is how much of a danger Mr. Trump poses,” the board wrote. “But given that very danger, the stakes for the country and the uneven abilities of Mr. Biden, the United States needs a stronger opponent to the presumptive Republican nominee.”
Read the board’s full piece here.
“The president appeared on Thursday night as the shadow of a great public servant,” the board wrote. “He struggled to explain what he would accomplish in a second term. He struggled to respond to Mr. Trump’s provocations. He struggled to hold Mr. Trump accountable for his lies, his failures and his chilling plans. More than once, he struggled to make it to the end of a sentence.”
The board said it would still endorse Biden over Trump if another Democratic challenger doesn’t step forward.
“If the race comes down to a choice between Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden, the sitting president would be this board’s unequivocal pick. That is how much of a danger Mr. Trump poses,” the board wrote. “But given that very danger, the stakes for the country and the uneven abilities of Mr. Biden, the United States needs a stronger opponent to the presumptive Republican nominee.”
Read the board’s full piece here.
Donald Trump Praises CNN Moderators
Trump is chuffed with the debate moderators’ treatment of him during the debate.
“I shouldn’t knock CNN, because I actually thought they treated me very fairly last night. Very professional, both of them, Jake and Dana,” he said of Tapper and Bash during a Virginia campaign rally. “They treated us very fairly. They abused me for years, but last night – right? What happened? They treated me very fairly.”
Bash and Tapper stuck solely to questions last night, foregoing any live fact-checking. That was despite Trump lying about numerous things from his time in office, including his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. They didn’t stop either candidate from going off-topic when asked a question, telling them they could use their time how they pleased.
“I shouldn’t knock CNN, because I actually thought they treated me very fairly last night. Very professional, both of them, Jake and Dana,” he said of Tapper and Bash during a Virginia campaign rally. “They treated us very fairly. They abused me for years, but last night – right? What happened? They treated me very fairly.”
Bash and Tapper stuck solely to questions last night, foregoing any live fact-checking. That was despite Trump lying about numerous things from his time in office, including his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. They didn’t stop either candidate from going off-topic when asked a question, telling them they could use their time how they pleased.
Bill Clinton Stands By Joe Biden's 'Solid Leadership' After Lackluster Debate
Former President Bill Clinton joined other prominent Democrats in releasing statements in support of Biden following the debate.
"I’ll leave the debate rating to the pundits, but here’s what I know: facts and history matter. Joe Biden has given us 3 years of solid leadership, steadying us after the pandemic, creating a record number of new jobs, making real progress solving the climate crisis, and launching a successful effort in reducing inflation, all while pulling us out of the quagmire Donald Trump left us in," Clinton posted on X. "That’s what’s really at stake in November."
"I’ll leave the debate rating to the pundits, but here’s what I know: facts and history matter. Joe Biden has given us 3 years of solid leadership, steadying us after the pandemic, creating a record number of new jobs, making real progress solving the climate crisis, and launching a successful effort in reducing inflation, all while pulling us out of the quagmire Donald Trump left us in," Clinton posted on X. "That’s what’s really at stake in November."
Elton John Joins Biden To Commemorate New Stonewall Education Center
Elton John joined Biden on stage in New York City Friday to unveil a new visitor's center at the Stonewall National Monument, in commemoration of the Stonewall uprising 55 years ago that paved the way for today's LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.
John thanked Biden for taking "concrete action to make our lives better," and lamented the hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills that have been introduced in state legislatures this year.
"Disgraceful," John said.
He went on: "Do we stand up for our vision and values? Or let misinformation and ceaseless scapegoating turn back the clock? No. Fucking. Way."
John thanked Biden for taking "concrete action to make our lives better," and lamented the hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills that have been introduced in state legislatures this year.
"Disgraceful," John said.
He went on: "Do we stand up for our vision and values? Or let misinformation and ceaseless scapegoating turn back the clock? No. Fucking. Way."
Barack Obama Defends Joe Biden's Debate Performance
“Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know,” former President Barack Obama wrote on social media Friday afternoon after his former running mate’s debate performance prompted widespread panic in the Democratic Party.
“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,” Obama said.
“Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November," he concluded, dropping in a link to Biden's campaign website.
“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,” Obama said.
“Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November," he concluded, dropping in a link to Biden's campaign website.
Joe Biden, Donald Trump Debate Ratings Take A Huge Dip From 2020
CNN’s presidential debate between Trump and Biden last night drew in 47.9 million viewers on television, the network reported Friday.
The numbers are significantly fewer than the first 2020 presidential debate between the same candidates, which gained a viewership of more than 73 million across all television networks, and the first 2016 debate between Trump and Hilary Clinton, which hit a record for most watched U.S. debate with 84 million viewers.
Thursday’s debate was simulcast across a total of 22 other networks. CNN gained 9.04 million viewers, while Fox News drew 8.8 million viewers, ABC News got 8.7 million viewers and MSNBC drew 3.968 million viewers.
The numbers are significantly fewer than the first 2020 presidential debate between the same candidates, which gained a viewership of more than 73 million across all television networks, and the first 2016 debate between Trump and Hilary Clinton, which hit a record for most watched U.S. debate with 84 million viewers.
Thursday’s debate was simulcast across a total of 22 other networks. CNN gained 9.04 million viewers, while Fox News drew 8.8 million viewers, ABC News got 8.7 million viewers and MSNBC drew 3.968 million viewers.
Political Pundits Draw Knives After Shaky Biden Debate Performance
A less-than-reassuring debate performance from President Joe Biden Thursday night sparked concern about his spot atop the 2024 Democratic ticket, from party operatives speaking in private to political pundits in high-profile publications.
Friday’s New York Times opinion section was particularly brutal, with no positive spin whatsoever for Biden coming from the paper’s marquee names.
Read more:
Friday’s New York Times opinion section was particularly brutal, with no positive spin whatsoever for Biden coming from the paper’s marquee names.
Read more:
A Newly Energized Joe Biden Addresses The Elephant In The Room
A day after his catastrophic debate against Trump, Biden seems to have found his energy.
The president spoke with renewed gusto at a North Carolina rally before an animated crowd. It was a stark difference from his demeanor at last night’s debate, when Biden fumbled several times in the CNN studio without a live audience.
“I spent 90 minutes on the stage debating a guy who has the morals of an alley cat,” Biden said Friday, saying Trump probably set “a new record for the most lies told in a single debate.”
Biden also addressed the elephant in the room, speaking in a clear, booming voice many of his supporters were hoping to hear last night.
“Let me close with this. I know I'm not a young man,” Biden, 81, said. “I don't walk as easy as I used to, I don't speak as smoothly as I used to, I don't debate as well as I used to, but I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth, I know right from wrong, I know how to do this job, I know how to get things done, I know, like many of Americans know, when you get knocked down, you get back up."
The president spoke with renewed gusto at a North Carolina rally before an animated crowd. It was a stark difference from his demeanor at last night’s debate, when Biden fumbled several times in the CNN studio without a live audience.
“I spent 90 minutes on the stage debating a guy who has the morals of an alley cat,” Biden said Friday, saying Trump probably set “a new record for the most lies told in a single debate.”
Biden also addressed the elephant in the room, speaking in a clear, booming voice many of his supporters were hoping to hear last night.
“Let me close with this. I know I'm not a young man,” Biden, 81, said. “I don't walk as easy as I used to, I don't speak as smoothly as I used to, I don't debate as well as I used to, but I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth, I know right from wrong, I know how to do this job, I know how to get things done, I know, like many of Americans know, when you get knocked down, you get back up."
Jill Biden Makes A Clear Fashion Statement At Joe Biden's First Post-Debate Rally
Speaking at a rally in support of the president in Raleigh, North Carolina, First Lady Jill Biden took the stage in a dress repeatedly emblazoned with a simple message — "Vote."
"What you saw last night on the debate stage was Joe Biden: A president with integrity and character," she said to the crowd. "He told the truth. And Donald Trump told lie after lie after lie."
"What you saw last night on the debate stage was Joe Biden: A president with integrity and character," she said to the crowd. "He told the truth. And Donald Trump told lie after lie after lie."
Biden Campaign Raises $14 Million From Debate: Report
NBC News, citing a Biden campaign source, says the president raised $14 million in the hours surrounding the debate — with the most money raised in the hour directly following the event.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Supreme Court Ruling Could Impact Trump Charge
The Supreme Court released its opinion in Fischer v. U.S. on Friday, making it harder to charge some Jan. 6 rioters with obstruction.
HuffPost's Paul Blumenthal reports one of Trump's Jan. 6-related charges could be dismissed thanks to the ruling, though he'd still face three other federal charges related to his effort to overturn the 2020 election.
Read more here.
HuffPost's Paul Blumenthal reports one of Trump's Jan. 6-related charges could be dismissed thanks to the ruling, though he'd still face three other federal charges related to his effort to overturn the 2020 election.
Read more here.
Fetterman To Democrats: 'Chill The F**k Out'
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has defended Biden's debate performance, reminding panicked Democrats that he too had a bad debate performance once, but went on to win his seat.
“I refuse to join the Democratic vultures on Biden’s shoulder after the debate. No one knows more than me that a rough debate is not the sum total of the person and their record,” Fetterman wrote on X.
Fetterman suffered a stroke while running for Senate in 2022 but debated his Republican opponent Mehmet Oz. Some Democrats at the time were alarmed by Fetterman's performance.
“I refuse to join the Democratic vultures on Biden’s shoulder after the debate. No one knows more than me that a rough debate is not the sum total of the person and their record,” Fetterman wrote on X.
Fetterman suffered a stroke while running for Senate in 2022 but debated his Republican opponent Mehmet Oz. Some Democrats at the time were alarmed by Fetterman's performance.
Speaker Johnson Suggests Biden 'Not Up To The Job'
Reacting to last night’s debate, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suggested on Friday that Biden doesn’t have the “stamina” or “temperament” to be president, according to NBC News.
"Everyone can see the objective fact that we have been discussing here for a long, long time, that President Biden is not up to the job," he said to reporters on Capitol Hill.
He said Trump's performance "won on every metric of measurement, I think, on the issues, on his stamina, on his temperament."
Trump was also lambasted repeatedly for remarks he made at the debate.
"Everyone can see the objective fact that we have been discussing here for a long, long time, that President Biden is not up to the job," he said to reporters on Capitol Hill.
He said Trump's performance "won on every metric of measurement, I think, on the issues, on his stamina, on his temperament."
Trump was also lambasted repeatedly for remarks he made at the debate.
Truth Social Owner's Shares Jump After Debate
The AP reports Trump Media, which owns the former president's social media site Truth Social, jumped Friday morning.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Dean Phillips Reacts To Biden-Trump Debate
Former Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips appeared to weigh in on last night’s debate, sharing a quote by Mahatma Gandhi on social media.
“Speak only if it improves upon the silence,” he wrote.
Phillips dropped out of the Democratic primary in March after his campaign failed to gain traction. He staked his candidacy on the argument that while Biden had been a good president, he could not score another win against Trump based on the polls. The Minnesota Democrat also cited Biden’s age as an issue of concern.
“Speak only if it improves upon the silence,” he wrote.
Phillips dropped out of the Democratic primary in March after his campaign failed to gain traction. He staked his candidacy on the argument that while Biden had been a good president, he could not score another win against Trump based on the polls. The Minnesota Democrat also cited Biden’s age as an issue of concern.
CNN: Biden Doesn't Plan To Drop Out, Still Committed To Second Debate
CNN Moderators Criticized For Not Offering Real-Time Fact Checks
While Biden appeared unable to address Trump’s stream of falsehoods, many wondered why the CNN moderators did not step in to fact check the candidates.
But it all appears to come down a decision the network made when planning the event.
CNN’s political director David Chalian previously told The New York Times a live debate “is not the ideal arena for live fact-checking.”
Read more on their decision below.
But it all appears to come down a decision the network made when planning the event.
CNN’s political director David Chalian previously told The New York Times a live debate “is not the ideal arena for live fact-checking.”
Read more on their decision below.
Joe Scarborough On Biden: 'Can He Run For President In 2024?'
MSNBC host Joe Scarborough said while he loves and respects Biden, "failure is just not an option" in 2024 given the stakes of the race, suggesting it's time for the president to consider whether he should drop out of the contest.
"If he were CEO and he turned in a performance like that, would any corporation in America, any Fortune 500 corporation in America keep him on as CEO?" Scarborough asked.
Scarborough particularly took issue with Biden's inability to challenge Trump's falsehoods during the head-to-head debate.
"Trump lied over and over and over and over again and Joe Biden couldn't respond to any of those lies," he said.
Biden is reportedly a loyal viewer of Scarborough's "Morning Joe" show.
"If he were CEO and he turned in a performance like that, would any corporation in America, any Fortune 500 corporation in America keep him on as CEO?" Scarborough asked.
Scarborough particularly took issue with Biden's inability to challenge Trump's falsehoods during the head-to-head debate.
"Trump lied over and over and over and over again and Joe Biden couldn't respond to any of those lies," he said.
Biden is reportedly a loyal viewer of Scarborough's "Morning Joe" show.
Newsom: 'We’ve Got To Keep Our Head High'
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) stood by Biden despite the concern in his party over the president's debate performance.
Biden's presidency has been a "masterclass," he said told MSNBC's Alex Wagner.
"This president has delivered," the governor said. "We need to deliver for him at this moment."
Biden's presidency has been a "masterclass," he said told MSNBC's Alex Wagner.
"This president has delivered," the governor said. "We need to deliver for him at this moment."
Plouffe: Debate 'Kind Of A DEFCON 1 Moment' For Democrats
Barack Obama's 2008 campaign manager David Plouffe spoke to MSNBC's Rachel Maddow about Biden's debate performance.
"Biden is behind narrowly right now" and "has to change the equation" but the "biggest barrier that’s keeping his ceiling too low is concerns about age," said Plouffe.
But ultimately, "the only thing that matters, and you won't really know for three or four days, is how the voters that will decide this election will react," he said.
"Biden is behind narrowly right now" and "has to change the equation" but the "biggest barrier that’s keeping his ceiling too low is concerns about age," said Plouffe.
But ultimately, "the only thing that matters, and you won't really know for three or four days, is how the voters that will decide this election will react," he said.
The Onion's Debate Headline Really Goes For It
The Onion's reaction to the debate might just become a meme between now and Election Day.
"Report: Nuclear War Sounds Fucking Amazing Right Now," the satirical site wrote.
"Report: Nuclear War Sounds Fucking Amazing Right Now," the satirical site wrote.
Psaki Cites 2012 Obama Example To Prove Biden Can Turn Things Around
MSNBC host Jen Psaki, who previously served as press secretary in the Biden White House, said the president's poor showing at the debate could prompt him to "bring his best self forward."
Psaki cited former President Barack Obama as an example, saying he "bombed" the first debate of the 2012 campaign cycle even though he ended up winning that year's presidential race.
"Anybody who is running for president is competitive," Psaki said. "Joe Biden is a competitive person. Barack Obama is a competitive person. When their back is against the wall, maybe he will bring his best self forward."
Psaki cited former President Barack Obama as an example, saying he "bombed" the first debate of the 2012 campaign cycle even though he ended up winning that year's presidential race.
"Anybody who is running for president is competitive," Psaki said. "Joe Biden is a competitive person. Barack Obama is a competitive person. When their back is against the wall, maybe he will bring his best self forward."
Jon Stewart: 'This Cannot Be Real Life'
"The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart said both candidates failed at their respective tests for the CNN debate as he expressed disbelief at the state of the 2024 presidential race.
"This cannot be real life," he said. "It just can’t. Fuck!”
Read more on Stewart's reaction here.
"This cannot be real life," he said. "It just can’t. Fuck!”
Read more on Stewart's reaction here.
CNN Fact-Checker Goes Over Trump's Debate Lies
While the moderators of the debate spent little to no time correcting Trump's falsehoods in real time, CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale used a 3-minute segment to debunk the former president's lies.
Critics Baffled By Trump's 'Black Jobs' Remarks
Trump was criticized for referring to "Black jobs" as he attacked Biden over his immigration policies.
Trump said the president's "big kill on the Black people” was allowing “millions” of people to enter the country through the border.
“They’re taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people,” he said.
Read more on the reaction to Trump's claim here.
Trump said the president's "big kill on the Black people” was allowing “millions” of people to enter the country through the border.
“They’re taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people,” he said.
Read more on the reaction to Trump's claim here.
67% Of Debate Watchers Say Trump Did Better Than Biden: CNN Flash Poll
A CNN poll of debate watchers conducted by SSRS following the debate showed 67% of respondents thought Trump did better than Biden last night.
But an overwhelming percentage of respondents said the debate did not affect their choice for president.
Read more on the poll's findings here.
But an overwhelming percentage of respondents said the debate did not affect their choice for president.
Read more on the poll's findings here.
Van Jones: 'It's Not Just Panic, It's Pain'
CNN commentator Van Jones acknowledged that watching Biden's underwhelming debate performance was "painful."
"I love that guy," Jones said of Biden. "That's a good man. He loves his country. He's doing the best that he can but he had a test to meet tonight to restore confidence of the country and of the base and he failed to do that."
Jones added that some people will want to see Biden consider dropping out of the 2024 presidential race following the debate.
"That was not what we needed from Joe Biden, and is personally painful for a lot of people," he said. "It's not just panic, it's pain."
"I love that guy," Jones said of Biden. "That's a good man. He loves his country. He's doing the best that he can but he had a test to meet tonight to restore confidence of the country and of the base and he failed to do that."
Jones added that some people will want to see Biden consider dropping out of the 2024 presidential race following the debate.
"That was not what we needed from Joe Biden, and is personally painful for a lot of people," he said. "It's not just panic, it's pain."
Palestinian Lives Were Invisible To Both Trump And Biden
The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas played a small part during the debate on Thursday, but the plight of Palestinians was all but absent from either candidate.
Neither Trump nor Biden offered sympathy or a path forward for those in Gaza, and instead offered answers casting them as an afterthought at best or villainous at worst.
Read more here:
Neither Trump nor Biden offered sympathy or a path forward for those in Gaza, and instead offered answers casting them as an afterthought at best or villainous at worst.
Read more here:
Biden Surrogates Try To Spin His Debate Performance
A slate of Biden’s top campaign surrogates stepped out after his performance on Thursday night to argue he should not be judged by the style of his messaging on stage, but the substance.
“I would never turn my back on President Biden, and I don’t know a Democrat in my party that would do so, especially after tonight,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters after the debate. “We have his back .... We’re going to double down in the next few months. We’re going to win this election.”
Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock praised Biden’s accomplishments in his own remarks on Thursday night.
“I would be concerned if the president didn’t have a record to run on,” Warnock told journalists. “This is a man that’s passed historic legislation here in the state of Georgia.”
Read more here:
“I would never turn my back on President Biden, and I don’t know a Democrat in my party that would do so, especially after tonight,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters after the debate. “We have his back .... We’re going to double down in the next few months. We’re going to win this election.”
Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock praised Biden’s accomplishments in his own remarks on Thursday night.
“I would be concerned if the president didn’t have a record to run on,” Warnock told journalists. “This is a man that’s passed historic legislation here in the state of Georgia.”
Read more here:
Thomas Friedman Calls On Biden To 'Bow Out Of The Race'
New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman said the debate was "heartbreaking to watch" because it illustrated Biden "has no business running for re-election."
Friedman wrote that while Biden is a friend of his, it's clear that he is not up to the task of running for another term in office.
"I had been ready to give Biden the benefit of the doubt up to now, because during the times I engaged with him one on one, I found him up to the job," Friedman wrote.
"He clearly is not any longer. His family and his staff had to have known that. They have been holed up at Camp David preparing for this momentous debate for days now. If that is the best performance they could summon from him, it’s time for Joe to keep the dignity he deserves and leave the stage at the end of this term," he continued.
Friedman wrote that while Biden is a friend of his, it's clear that he is not up to the task of running for another term in office.
"I had been ready to give Biden the benefit of the doubt up to now, because during the times I engaged with him one on one, I found him up to the job," Friedman wrote.
"He clearly is not any longer. His family and his staff had to have known that. They have been holed up at Camp David preparing for this momentous debate for days now. If that is the best performance they could summon from him, it’s time for Joe to keep the dignity he deserves and leave the stage at the end of this term," he continued.
Symone Sanders Says Biden Has No Plan To Drop Out
MSNBC host Symone Sanders, a former Biden senior adviser, said the president has no plans to exit the race despite criticism about his debate performance.
"Folks, the facts are if Joe Biden was going to step aside he would have did so a long time ago," Sanders wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "That’s not my opinion that’s literally the facts. So no, he won’t be stepping aside tomorrow morning. He’s the nominee and a number of Dems I suspect will be out defending him over the next few days."
"Folks, the facts are if Joe Biden was going to step aside he would have did so a long time ago," Sanders wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "That’s not my opinion that’s literally the facts. So no, he won’t be stepping aside tomorrow morning. He’s the nominee and a number of Dems I suspect will be out defending him over the next few days."
Joe Biden On His Debate Performance: 'I Think We Did Well'
Despite growing concern from Democrats, Biden stood by his performance while speaking to reporters at a Waffle House in the Atlanta area following Thursday's debate.
According to a White House pool report, Biden told reporters "I think we did well."
He also brushed off the calls for him to step aside to let a younger Democratic candidate run instead.
"It’s hard to debate a liar. The New York Times pointed out he lied 26 times," he said, according to the pool report.
When asked if he was sick, as his campaign indicated during the debate, Biden said he had a sore throat.
According to a White House pool report, Biden told reporters "I think we did well."
He also brushed off the calls for him to step aside to let a younger Democratic candidate run instead.
"It’s hard to debate a liar. The New York Times pointed out he lied 26 times," he said, according to the pool report.
When asked if he was sick, as his campaign indicated during the debate, Biden said he had a sore throat.
Read More About Anderson Cooper Pressing Kamala Harris About Joe Biden's Debate Performance
During an interview with the vice president, CNN's Anderson Cooper repeatedly questioning the president’s performance while noting some Democrats were already calling Biden’s performance a “disaster.”
CNN Had To Ask Trump 3 Times If He’d Accept The Results Of The Election
Near the end of Thursday evening’s presidential debate, Bash asked Trump one of the more pressing questions facing American democracy.
“Will you pledge tonight that, once all legal challenges have been exhausted, that you will accept the results of this election regardless of who wins, and that you will say right now that political violence in any form is unacceptable?” Bash said.
Read more on how Trump dodged the question:
“Will you pledge tonight that, once all legal challenges have been exhausted, that you will accept the results of this election regardless of who wins, and that you will say right now that political violence in any form is unacceptable?” Bash said.
Read more on how Trump dodged the question:
Kamala Harris Makes The Rounds Defending Joe Biden’s Debate Performance
Harris appeared on MSNBC shortly after sparring with Anderson Cooper on CNN. In a less combative interview, host Rachel Maddow opened with the same concerns.
“This was not a strong performance tonight from President Biden. I want to hear your assessment and how you respond to those critics,” Maddow said.
“It was a slow start,” Harris admitted, leaning on the same phrasing she used with Cooper. “There's no question about that. But I thought it was a strong finish.”
She continued: “When you look at the two sides of the ledger, what we had in Joe Biden is someone who wanted to have a debate based on facts, based on truth, and in Donald Trump, we had what we have come to expect, which is someone who is going to push lies and distract from the reality of the damage he has created and continues to create in our country.”
“This was not a strong performance tonight from President Biden. I want to hear your assessment and how you respond to those critics,” Maddow said.
“It was a slow start,” Harris admitted, leaning on the same phrasing she used with Cooper. “There's no question about that. But I thought it was a strong finish.”
She continued: “When you look at the two sides of the ledger, what we had in Joe Biden is someone who wanted to have a debate based on facts, based on truth, and in Donald Trump, we had what we have come to expect, which is someone who is going to push lies and distract from the reality of the damage he has created and continues to create in our country.”
Democrats Privately Sound Alarm Bells About Joe Biden's Debate Performance
Democrats across the country are panicking after Biden's underwhelming debate performance against Trump on Thursday, with many privately hoping he will withdraw and allow a younger, more competent candidate to step in.
Read more:
Read more:
More On How Donald Trump, Joe Biden Sparred Over Their Cognitive Abilities
CNN’s Dana Bash asked the pair about their respective ages at the end of a potential second term in office — Biden will be 86 upon completion, Trump 82 — and if voters should be concerned that they will both be octogenarians during Thursday night’s presidential debate in Atlanta.
Read more:
Read more:
Kamala Harris Spars With Anderson Cooper Over Biden’s Debate Performance
Vice President Kamala Harris sparred with CNN host Anderson Cooper in a post-debate interview, pushing back against concerns he raised about Biden’s shaky performance.
“He was a very different person on the stage four years ago when you debated him,” Cooper said. “You must — I mean, that's certainly true, is it not?”
Harris responded with a list of the Biden administration's successes.
“I'm not going to spend all night with you talking about the last 90 minutes when I've been watching the last three and a half years of performance,” Harris said.
Cooper kept pushing back. “I mean, you can't honestly say — I mean, can you say that you are not concerned at all having watched the president's performance tonight?”
"It was a slow start,” Harris acquiesced. “That's obvious to everyone. I'm not going to debate that point. I'm talking about the choice in November, about one of the most important elections in our collective lifetime.”
“He was a very different person on the stage four years ago when you debated him,” Cooper said. “You must — I mean, that's certainly true, is it not?”
Harris responded with a list of the Biden administration's successes.
“I'm not going to spend all night with you talking about the last 90 minutes when I've been watching the last three and a half years of performance,” Harris said.
Cooper kept pushing back. “I mean, you can't honestly say — I mean, can you say that you are not concerned at all having watched the president's performance tonight?”
"It was a slow start,” Harris acquiesced. “That's obvious to everyone. I'm not going to debate that point. I'm talking about the choice in November, about one of the most important elections in our collective lifetime.”
Biden Surrogates Do Damage Control
ATLANTA — Biden’s campaign surrogates defended his weak debate performance to throngs of reporters, who shouted questions about whether Biden should step down or whether one of Biden’s top surrogates, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, should have run for the nomination instead. “I’ll never turn my back on the president,” Newsom, once thought to be a 2024 presidential candidate, told reporters.
Biden's Fumble
Biden fumbled his way through Thursday’s presidential debate with Trump, an alarming performance for Democrats eager to see him shut down his deeply flawed GOP challenger: a twice-impeached convicted felon known for his lies and ugly attacks.
HuffPost's Jennifer Bendery provides a critical look into Biden's debate performance. Read more here:
HuffPost's Jennifer Bendery provides a critical look into Biden's debate performance. Read more here:
Analysis: The Debate From Hell
As Trump lied his way through the debate on everything from the economy on his watch to his role in the Jan. 6 coup attempt, Biden's weak and unfocused performance failed to challenge his opponent's many falsehoods.
Read a full analysis of the first presidential debate by HuffPost's S.V. Date here:
Read a full analysis of the first presidential debate by HuffPost's S.V. Date here:
Joe Biden Finally Brings Up The Energy At Debate Watch Party
Notably more energetic than during his performance on the debate stage, Biden rallied his cheering supporters at a watch party in Atlanta moments after the debate ended.
“I can’t think of one thing he said that was true," Biden said of Trump on the watch party stage.
The president made no mention of his own performance at the debate.
“We’re going to beat this guy. We need to beat this guy,” Biden told the crowd, who welcomed him on stage by cheering, "Four more years!"
"You are the reason America is as good as we are," the president said to the lively crowd of supporters. "We're the finest nation in the whole damn world!"
“I can’t think of one thing he said that was true," Biden said of Trump on the watch party stage.
The president made no mention of his own performance at the debate.
“We’re going to beat this guy. We need to beat this guy,” Biden told the crowd, who welcomed him on stage by cheering, "Four more years!"
"You are the reason America is as good as we are," the president said to the lively crowd of supporters. "We're the finest nation in the whole damn world!"
Former Joe Biden White House Communications Director: He Did Not Prove He Has 'The Stamina'
Kate Bedingfield, who served as Biden's White House Communications Director for two years, argued the president's performance was "really disappointing."
Moderators Didn’t Press Candidates About LGBTQ+ Rights At All During Presidential Debate
The debate concluded this evening without the moderators asking a single question to the presumptive presidential nominees about LGBTQ+ rights, despite calls from advocates for them to address their track records.
“This will be an enormous slight to our community if LGBTQ questions are not asked during this debate,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of the LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD, ahead of tonight’s debate. “Our community is deeply affected by where these candidates stand.”
Nearly half of states have passed bans on gender-affirming care for minors and bans on transgender youth participating in school sports. Federal agencies have noted a spike in hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in recent years and advocates have warned that anti-trans rhetoric pushed by Republicans, including Trump himself, has fueled this violence.
The ability for young trans people to access gender-affirming care now hangs in the balance as the conservative-leaning Supreme Court is set to weigh Tennessee’s state ban this fall.
The stakes could not be higher for the LGBTQ+ community in this election. Biden has enacted executive orders to expand federal funding for gender-affirming care and this spring issued guidance to ensure Title IX protections against sex-based discrimination are inclusive to LGBTQ+ students in federally funded educational institutions.
But that could all change if Trump wins this November. The former president has promised to undo all of Biden’s progressive policies, including reversing current Title IX policies on “day one.” And in Project 2025, a 1,000-page document that lays out a road map for a second Trump presidency, Trump’s allies have promised to upend LGBTQ+ rights by reinstating the ban on trans people serving in the military, rolling back federal discrimination protections and erasing the legal recognition of transgender identity.
“We are poised to be the decisive voting bloc in the 2024 election, which is what we were in the 2020 election,” Ellis said. “So we have to be a part of this conversation.”
“This will be an enormous slight to our community if LGBTQ questions are not asked during this debate,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of the LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD, ahead of tonight’s debate. “Our community is deeply affected by where these candidates stand.”
Nearly half of states have passed bans on gender-affirming care for minors and bans on transgender youth participating in school sports. Federal agencies have noted a spike in hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in recent years and advocates have warned that anti-trans rhetoric pushed by Republicans, including Trump himself, has fueled this violence.
The ability for young trans people to access gender-affirming care now hangs in the balance as the conservative-leaning Supreme Court is set to weigh Tennessee’s state ban this fall.
The stakes could not be higher for the LGBTQ+ community in this election. Biden has enacted executive orders to expand federal funding for gender-affirming care and this spring issued guidance to ensure Title IX protections against sex-based discrimination are inclusive to LGBTQ+ students in federally funded educational institutions.
But that could all change if Trump wins this November. The former president has promised to undo all of Biden’s progressive policies, including reversing current Title IX policies on “day one.” And in Project 2025, a 1,000-page document that lays out a road map for a second Trump presidency, Trump’s allies have promised to upend LGBTQ+ rights by reinstating the ban on trans people serving in the military, rolling back federal discrimination protections and erasing the legal recognition of transgender identity.
“We are poised to be the decisive voting bloc in the 2024 election, which is what we were in the 2020 election,” Ellis said. “So we have to be a part of this conversation.”
MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace Says 'Conversations' Happening Among Democrats About Joe Biden’s Performance
Immediately after the presidential debate concluded, MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace said she got on the phone early in the debate, when it became clear that Biden was struggling to communicate.
“There is a conversation happening inside Biden’s circle, and certainly a much more frank conversation happening inside the Democratic coalition,” she said.
Asked by fellow MSNBC host Rachel Maddow what those conversations were, Wallace said they ranged from “whether he should be in this race tomorrow morning, to what was wrong with him.”
She added that she spoke directly with a Biden aide, who said, “We can’t necessarily spin too much what people did see and hear.”
“There is a conversation happening inside Biden’s circle, and certainly a much more frank conversation happening inside the Democratic coalition,” she said.
Asked by fellow MSNBC host Rachel Maddow what those conversations were, Wallace said they ranged from “whether he should be in this race tomorrow morning, to what was wrong with him.”
She added that she spoke directly with a Biden aide, who said, “We can’t necessarily spin too much what people did see and hear.”
And We’re Done With The First Presidential Debate
That’s a wrap on the first presidential debate between Biden and Trump. The two are scheduled to face off again on Sept. 10 in a debate hosted by ABC News.
Trump Uses Closing Statements To Attack Biden: We Are 'Living In Hell'
In his closing remarks, Trump attacked Biden, claiming Americans have been "living in hell" and "the whole country is exploding."
"He doesn't do anything, all he does is make our country unsafe," Trump said, after calling Biden a "complainer."
"He doesn't do anything, all he does is make our country unsafe," Trump said, after calling Biden a "complainer."
Donald Trump Won’t Say If He Will Accept Election Results
Trump was asked three times — the most that CNN’s moderators have pushed either of the candidates during this debate — if he will accept the results of the presidential election, regardless of who wins. Three times, he refused to say yes.
Asked if he would denounce political violence in any form, Trump answered: “Well I shouldn’t have to say that, but of course I believe that.”
The Republican’s answers kept veering into jabs at Biden’s tenure in the White House, leading Bash to repeat her question and give him another opportunity to say whether he would accept the results.
Trump eventually said that he would “absolutely” accept the results, as long as the election is “fair” and “legal” in his eyes. The candidate claimed he would rather be anywhere else, but decided to run again because he believes Biden has done a poor job as president.
In response, Biden said that he does not believe Trump would accept the election results, saying he continues to push the lie that the 2020 election was rigged.
“I doubt you’ll accept it because you’re a whiner,” Biden said. “Something snapped in you when you lost last time.”
Asked if he would denounce political violence in any form, Trump answered: “Well I shouldn’t have to say that, but of course I believe that.”
The Republican’s answers kept veering into jabs at Biden’s tenure in the White House, leading Bash to repeat her question and give him another opportunity to say whether he would accept the results.
Trump eventually said that he would “absolutely” accept the results, as long as the election is “fair” and “legal” in his eyes. The candidate claimed he would rather be anywhere else, but decided to run again because he believes Biden has done a poor job as president.
In response, Biden said that he does not believe Trump would accept the election results, saying he continues to push the lie that the 2020 election was rigged.
“I doubt you’ll accept it because you’re a whiner,” Biden said. “Something snapped in you when you lost last time.”
Joe Biden Makes His Closing Statements
Biden’s closing arguments focused on taxes and the economy, one of the most important issues to voters.
“We have to make sure we have a fairer tax system,” Biden said, adding about Trump: “This guy has increased your taxes because of the deficit, increased inflation because of the debacle he left after the way he handled the pandemic.”
He also promoted his administration’s work to lower the cost of insulin from $400 a month down to $35.
“We're going to bring down inflation and give people a break,” Biden promised.
“We have to make sure we have a fairer tax system,” Biden said, adding about Trump: “This guy has increased your taxes because of the deficit, increased inflation because of the debacle he left after the way he handled the pandemic.”
He also promoted his administration’s work to lower the cost of insulin from $400 a month down to $35.
“We're going to bring down inflation and give people a break,” Biden promised.
Donald Trump Falsely Claims He Never Called Neo-Nazis 'Very Fine People'
When Biden reminded viewers that Trump, in 2017, said there were “very fine people” on “both sides” of the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virgina, Trump replied that Biden had “made up the Charlotteville story.”
“It’s been debunked all over the place,” Trump said. “Every reasonable anchor has debunked it.. Just the other day it came out where it was fully debunked. It’s a nonsense story and he knows that.”
When Trump said “just the other day” he was likely referring to an article on Snopes, the typically reliable fact-checking site, which published a confusing, hair-splitting article claiming Trump hadn’t actually called neo-Nazis in Charlottesville “fine people.” Snopes argued that while Trump did say at a 2017 press conference that there were “very fine people” among the protesters and counter-protesters at the “Unite The Right” rally, he also said white nationalists and neo-Nazis should be “condemned totally” during the same press conference. For Snopes, this was enough to absolve Trump.
But, as noted by Parker Malloy in The New Republic, what Snopes failed to understand was that this was a classic case of Trump doublespeak. The fact is — as HuffPost reported from the ground — all of the participants in the “Unite The Right” rally were either white supremacists, or far-right extremists who had noproblem marching alongside obvious, swastika-flag carrying white supremacists. So when Trump said they were “very fine people,” that’s who he was talking about.
That Trump cited Snopes during the debate is ironic, given that the site has debunked thousands of the former president’s claims.
“It’s been debunked all over the place,” Trump said. “Every reasonable anchor has debunked it.. Just the other day it came out where it was fully debunked. It’s a nonsense story and he knows that.”
When Trump said “just the other day” he was likely referring to an article on Snopes, the typically reliable fact-checking site, which published a confusing, hair-splitting article claiming Trump hadn’t actually called neo-Nazis in Charlottesville “fine people.” Snopes argued that while Trump did say at a 2017 press conference that there were “very fine people” among the protesters and counter-protesters at the “Unite The Right” rally, he also said white nationalists and neo-Nazis should be “condemned totally” during the same press conference. For Snopes, this was enough to absolve Trump.
But, as noted by Parker Malloy in The New Republic, what Snopes failed to understand was that this was a classic case of Trump doublespeak. The fact is — as HuffPost reported from the ground — all of the participants in the “Unite The Right” rally were either white supremacists, or far-right extremists who had noproblem marching alongside obvious, swastika-flag carrying white supremacists. So when Trump said they were “very fine people,” that’s who he was talking about.
That Trump cited Snopes during the debate is ironic, given that the site has debunked thousands of the former president’s claims.
Donald Trump Boasts About His Cognitive Health – And His Waistline
Trump was up next to address concerns about his age.
“I took two cognitive tests. I aced them, both of them, as you know. We made it public. He took none. I'd like to see him just take one, a real easy one. Go through the first five questions, he couldn't do it,” Trump charged against Biden.
The creator behind one of the cognitive tests Trump took has said some of the ex-president’s comments about the test don’t line up with what’s actually in the exam.
Trump also took the question as an opportunity to boast about his physical health.
“I think I'm in very good shape. I feel that I'm in as good a shape as I was 25-30 years ago. Actually, I'm probably a little bit lighter,” he said.
“I took two cognitive tests. I aced them, both of them, as you know. We made it public. He took none. I'd like to see him just take one, a real easy one. Go through the first five questions, he couldn't do it,” Trump charged against Biden.
The creator behind one of the cognitive tests Trump took has said some of the ex-president’s comments about the test don’t line up with what’s actually in the exam.
Trump also took the question as an opportunity to boast about his physical health.
“I think I'm in very good shape. I feel that I'm in as good a shape as I was 25-30 years ago. Actually, I'm probably a little bit lighter,” he said.
Debate Devolves Into Bickering About Candidates' Golf Game
Trump answered a question about his age by mentioning his golf game — claiming Biden couldn’t “hit the ball 50 yards.” In his response, Biden said he would be "happy to have a driving contest” with his opponent, noting his handicap was "down to a six" during his time as vice president.
“By the way, I told you before, I’m happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?” Biden asked.
Trump began to answer, with Biden appearing ready to hit back, until the moderators began to interject — prompting Trump to say, “Let’s not act like children.”
“By the way, I told you before, I’m happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?” Biden asked.
Trump began to answer, with Biden appearing ready to hit back, until the moderators began to interject — prompting Trump to say, “Let’s not act like children.”
As Donald Trump And Joe Biden Spar, RFK Jr. Debates A Jumbotron
On stage in a studio in Los Angeles, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy watched Biden and Trump on a livestream broadcasted on a giant screen and proceeded to give his own answers to the debate questions in front of a live audience.
Kennedy's campaign livestreamed this solo debate performance on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on TheRealDebate.com as counter-programming to the official presidential debate.
The independent candidate's livestream featured an altered version of CNN's debate split screen of Biden and Trump, adding a third box with a video stream of Kennedy.
Kennedy's campaign livestreamed this solo debate performance on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on TheRealDebate.com as counter-programming to the official presidential debate.
The independent candidate's livestream featured an altered version of CNN's debate split screen of Biden and Trump, adding a third box with a video stream of Kennedy.
Donald Trump Finally Said 1 True Thing At The Presidential Debate
It sounded like a quote from the 1998 sports comedy film "The Waterboy," featuring Adam Sandler.
Asked if he’d take any action to address the climate crisis if reelected, Trump painted himself a champion of clean water.
“I want absolutely immaculate clean water and I want absolutely immaculate clean air. And we had it. We had H2O,” he said. “We had the best numbers ever.”
One thing is true: the U.S. did have H20 during his presidency. But during Trump’s first term, Trump rolled back decades of clean water protections.
“I don’t know where the hell he’s been,” Biden said in response. “The cleanest water? The cleanest water? He hasn’t done a damn thing for the environment.”
Asked if he’d take any action to address the climate crisis if reelected, Trump painted himself a champion of clean water.
“I want absolutely immaculate clean water and I want absolutely immaculate clean air. And we had it. We had H2O,” he said. “We had the best numbers ever.”
One thing is true: the U.S. did have H20 during his presidency. But during Trump’s first term, Trump rolled back decades of clean water protections.
“I don’t know where the hell he’s been,” Biden said in response. “The cleanest water? The cleanest water? He hasn’t done a damn thing for the environment.”
Joe Biden Says His Record In Office Overcomes Concerns About His Age
Bash asks Biden how he’d respond to concerns that he will be 86 at the end of a second term in office.
“First of all, I spent half of my career being criticized for being the youngest person in politics,” the president said. “I was the second-youngest person ever elected to the United States Senate. Now, I'm the oldest. This guy's three years younger and a lot less competent.”
“Look at my record, look at what I’ve done,” Biden added. “I’ve turned around the horrible situation he left me.”
“First of all, I spent half of my career being criticized for being the youngest person in politics,” the president said. “I was the second-youngest person ever elected to the United States Senate. Now, I'm the oldest. This guy's three years younger and a lot less competent.”
“Look at my record, look at what I’ve done,” Biden added. “I’ve turned around the horrible situation he left me.”
CNN Moderators Offer Little Pushback During Rambling, Falsehood-Filled Debate
Despite incorporating rules like microphone control and no audience, the two candidates have still been allowed to ramble on with close to no pushback by CNN's Tapper or Bash.
As the debate nears the end, Trump is increasingly turning his time reserved for answering questions into his usual rant full of falsehoods, insults and racism. Despite this being central to the former president’s personality, CNN appears unwilling to combat it with accountability and fact-checking.
Biden himself is also not immune, starting sentences that trail off while buying into Trump’s name-calling bait and returning the insults. It’s unclear what the point of debate is, if neither candidate is held accountable for answering the actual question posed to them with facts.
As the debate nears the end, Trump is increasingly turning his time reserved for answering questions into his usual rant full of falsehoods, insults and racism. Despite this being central to the former president’s personality, CNN appears unwilling to combat it with accountability and fact-checking.
Biden himself is also not immune, starting sentences that trail off while buying into Trump’s name-calling bait and returning the insults. It’s unclear what the point of debate is, if neither candidate is held accountable for answering the actual question posed to them with facts.
KFF
FACT CHECK: Joe Biden Lowered Insulin Prices — Not Donald Trump
Trump says he’s the one he brought down insulin prices for seniors, not Biden.
Uh, not quite.
Trump introduced a program under which the private insurance companies that handle prescription coverage would offer insulin for $35. But it was a pilot program with a time limit and it was voluntary, and it didn’t have to apply to all insulin products.
Biden’s initiative -- which is part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) -- is permanent and mandatory, and applies to all insulin products in Medicare.
This briefing and graphic from the non-partisan research organization KFF illustrates the differences nicely.
By the way, the insulin change was just one of several drug pricing initiatives in the IRA. Among the others is a provision allowing the federal government to negotiate the prices of some drugs directly with manufacturers, which is how other countries keep their drug prices so low.
As president, Trump talked a lot about bringing down drug prices and introduced a few initiatives, but when legislation in Congress had a chance to pass, Trump wouldn’t or couldn’t get it through.
Uh, not quite.
Trump introduced a program under which the private insurance companies that handle prescription coverage would offer insulin for $35. But it was a pilot program with a time limit and it was voluntary, and it didn’t have to apply to all insulin products.
Biden’s initiative -- which is part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) -- is permanent and mandatory, and applies to all insulin products in Medicare.
This briefing and graphic from the non-partisan research organization KFF illustrates the differences nicely.
By the way, the insulin change was just one of several drug pricing initiatives in the IRA. Among the others is a provision allowing the federal government to negotiate the prices of some drugs directly with manufacturers, which is how other countries keep their drug prices so low.
As president, Trump talked a lot about bringing down drug prices and introduced a few initiatives, but when legislation in Congress had a chance to pass, Trump wouldn’t or couldn’t get it through.
Donald Trump Completely Ignores Question On Cost Of Child Care — Twice
Faced with a question about the increasing cost of child care across the country, Trump immediately pivoted, ignoring the question entirely as he accused Biden of never firing people in his administration or the U.S. military.
Tapper did not push back, merely thanking Trump for his response.
Given a chance to respond, Biden first hit back on Trump’s accusations, saying, “We are the most admired country in the world. We're the United States of America. There's nothing beyond our capacity. We have the finest military in the history of the world.”
The president then addressed child care, saying he would like to increase the child care tax credit.
Given one more chance to answer the question on child care, Trump failed. He claimed Biden wanted to raise taxes.
Tapper did not push back, merely thanking Trump for his response.
Given a chance to respond, Biden first hit back on Trump’s accusations, saying, “We are the most admired country in the world. We're the United States of America. There's nothing beyond our capacity. We have the finest military in the history of the world.”
The president then addressed child care, saying he would like to increase the child care tax credit.
Given one more chance to answer the question on child care, Trump failed. He claimed Biden wanted to raise taxes.
Donald Trump, Joe Biden Didn't Speak Or Look At Each Other During The Break
Trump and Biden both stared straight ahead during the first commercial break as photographers took photos, according to a White House pool report, which comes from a reporter who travels with the president each day.
The pool report said Biden and Trump did not say anything or make eye contact. Trump took a sip of water, and Biden smiled at the photographers.
The pool report said Biden and Trump did not say anything or make eye contact. Trump took a sip of water, and Biden smiled at the photographers.
FACT CHECK: No, Joe Biden Never Called Black People ‘Super Predators’
Instead of answering a question about how he’d address climate change, Trump decided to attack Biden on crime and accused him of repeatedly calling Black people “super predators.”
“What he's done to the black population is horrible,” Trump said, “including the fact that, for 10 years, he called them ‘super predators’ in the 1990s. We can't forget that. ‘Super predators’ was his name, and they've taken great offense to that.”
But Biden neverused those words. That was Hillary Clinton, who used the term in a 1996 speech in support of a crime bill that’s since been heavily criticized for disproportionately imprisoning Black Americans.
Then-Sen. Biden actually pushed back against that term the following year, saying “most of the youth involved in the system are not the so-called ‘super predators.’”
Biden appeared outraged and looked around the debate stage while Trump made the accusation.
“What he's done to the black population is horrible,” Trump said, “including the fact that, for 10 years, he called them ‘super predators’ in the 1990s. We can't forget that. ‘Super predators’ was his name, and they've taken great offense to that.”
But Biden neverused those words. That was Hillary Clinton, who used the term in a 1996 speech in support of a crime bill that’s since been heavily criticized for disproportionately imprisoning Black Americans.
Then-Sen. Biden actually pushed back against that term the following year, saying “most of the youth involved in the system are not the so-called ‘super predators.’”
Biden appeared outraged and looked around the debate stage while Trump made the accusation.
Donald Trump Claims U.S. Had ‘Immaculate’ Air And Water Despite Efforts To Roll Back Climate Protections
Trump gets a questions about his climate policies.
“I want absolutely immaculate clean water and I want absolutely immaculate clean air,” he said. “We had the best numbers ever and we were using all forms of energy, everything.”
“During my four years I had the best environmental numbers ever," he continued.
In fact, the Trump administration rolled back more than 100 environmental rules and withdrew the U.S. from the landmark Paris climate agreement. Many of those rules were meant to protect air quality and waterways. The Trump White House also expanded drilling access and touted polluting fossil fuels.
Biden has rolled back many of those plans and reinstated the U.S.’ participation in the Paris climate deal.
“I want absolutely immaculate clean water and I want absolutely immaculate clean air,” he said. “We had the best numbers ever and we were using all forms of energy, everything.”
“During my four years I had the best environmental numbers ever," he continued.
In fact, the Trump administration rolled back more than 100 environmental rules and withdrew the U.S. from the landmark Paris climate agreement. Many of those rules were meant to protect air quality and waterways. The Trump White House also expanded drilling access and touted polluting fossil fuels.
Biden has rolled back many of those plans and reinstated the U.S.’ participation in the Paris climate deal.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Donald Trump Says The 1 Sentence We Never Thought We'd Hear At A Presidential Debate
Biden dug into the multitude of criminal allegations against Trump, asking about the “billions of dollars in civil penalties” leveled against him, including his defamation verdicts in lawsuits filed by the writer E. Jean Carroll. Biden went on to point to the porn star Stormy Daniels’ allegations they had an affair, the basis for Trump’s hush money trial where he was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Trump rejected those claims.“I didn’t have sex with a porn star,” the former president said. “That case was started and moved and they moved a high ranking official into the Manhattan DA's office to start that case. That case will be appealed and won.”
Trump rejected those claims.“I didn’t have sex with a porn star,” the former president said. “That case was started and moved and they moved a high ranking official into the Manhattan DA's office to start that case. That case will be appealed and won.”
Joe Biden Finally Reminds Everyone Of Donald Trump's Legal Woes
For the first half of the debate, no one mentioned the elephant in the room: Trump recently becoming the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes.
Last month, Trump was criminally convicted of 34 felonies for falsifying business records to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star just before the 2016 election.
While discussing the Jan. 6 Capitol riot nearly 45 minutes into the debate, Biden finally reminded everyone about some of his opponent's legal troubles.
“Trump is a convicted felon,” Biden said.
Trump defended his recent legal woes, reiterating his past remarks on how the system is rigged, and took a dig at Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted earlier this month on three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018.
“His son is a convicted felon… Joe could be a convicted felon with all that he’s done,” Trump retorted. “This man is a criminal. I did nothing wrong.”
Last month, Trump was criminally convicted of 34 felonies for falsifying business records to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star just before the 2016 election.
While discussing the Jan. 6 Capitol riot nearly 45 minutes into the debate, Biden finally reminded everyone about some of his opponent's legal troubles.
“Trump is a convicted felon,” Biden said.
Trump defended his recent legal woes, reiterating his past remarks on how the system is rigged, and took a dig at Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted earlier this month on three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018.
“His son is a convicted felon… Joe could be a convicted felon with all that he’s done,” Trump retorted. “This man is a criminal. I did nothing wrong.”
NBC: Sources Say Joe Biden Has A Cold
The president does sound hoarse.
Donald Trump Says His Irish American Opponent Is ‘Like A Palestinian’
During the topic of Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, Trump said that Biden – the Irish American president of the United States – has “become like a Palestinian,” an attempt to insult his Democratic opponent.
Biden was asked by Tapper about his ongoing support for Israel’s military campaign, which has so far killed more than 37,000 Palestinians in retaliation for Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed 1,200 on Oct. 7 and took hundreds hostage. The president answered by saying the U.S. continues to send weapons to Israel while working to broker a cease-fire deal.
“The only one who wants the war to continue is Hamas,” Biden falsely said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he would continue the war even after reaching a potential cease-fire deal.
Trump also refuted Biden’s claim, but doing so in support of Netanyahu and his far-right government essentially wiping Gaza off the map.
“Let him finish the job,” Trump said of Netanyahu. “[Biden] doesn’t wanna do it, he’s become like a Palestinian. But they don’t like him because he’s a very bad Palestinian, he’s a weak one.”
Biden was asked by Tapper about his ongoing support for Israel’s military campaign, which has so far killed more than 37,000 Palestinians in retaliation for Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed 1,200 on Oct. 7 and took hundreds hostage. The president answered by saying the U.S. continues to send weapons to Israel while working to broker a cease-fire deal.
“The only one who wants the war to continue is Hamas,” Biden falsely said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he would continue the war even after reaching a potential cease-fire deal.
Trump also refuted Biden’s claim, but doing so in support of Netanyahu and his far-right government essentially wiping Gaza off the map.
“Let him finish the job,” Trump said of Netanyahu. “[Biden] doesn’t wanna do it, he’s become like a Palestinian. But they don’t like him because he’s a very bad Palestinian, he’s a weak one.”
Joe Biden Hits Back At Donald Trump Over Threat To Use Government To Persecute Enemies
“My retribution will be a success,” Trump said after being asked about comments he has made about seeking retribution against political enemies in the wake of all his various legal troubles post-presidency.
Over the course of his response, Trump said both “I did nothing wrong” and “I didn’t have sex with a porn star,” a reference to his New York criminal hush money trial. Trump suggested Biden may end up a convicted criminal for all the “horrible” things he has done.
Biden replied: “The idea that I did anything wrong relative to what you're talking about is outrageous. It is simply a lie.”
He added that it was “simply wrong” that any president had the right to seek “retribution.”
Over the course of his response, Trump said both “I did nothing wrong” and “I didn’t have sex with a porn star,” a reference to his New York criminal hush money trial. Trump suggested Biden may end up a convicted criminal for all the “horrible” things he has done.
Biden replied: “The idea that I did anything wrong relative to what you're talking about is outrageous. It is simply a lie.”
He added that it was “simply wrong” that any president had the right to seek “retribution.”
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Donald Trump Dodges Questions On Role In Jan. 6 Insurrection
Tapper tried to ask Trump about his oath to defend the Constitution and if he had broken that vow on Jan. 6, 2021. The former president did not answer the question, or a follow-up, instead saying the country was thriving on that day.
“On Jan. 6 we had a great border. On Jan. 6 we were energy independent, we had the lowest taxes ever, we had the lowest regulation ever,” Trump said. “We were respected all over the world. And then he comes in, we’re now laughed at.”
When Tapper asked again, Trump said he didn’t egg his supporters on, instead attempting to lay blame on then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
It took the moderators 40 minutes to bring up the capitol insurrection.
The riot resulted in several deaths and hundreds of injuries. More than 1,000 people have since been charged in connection to the riot.
In connection to his role in the Jan. 6 effort to overturn the election results, Trump has been charged with two felony counts (including one conspiracy count) of obstructing an official proceeding, one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and another felony count of conspiracy against rights.
The trial was originally set for March 2024 but has since been postponed until an unknown date.
“On Jan. 6 we had a great border. On Jan. 6 we were energy independent, we had the lowest taxes ever, we had the lowest regulation ever,” Trump said. “We were respected all over the world. And then he comes in, we’re now laughed at.”
When Tapper asked again, Trump said he didn’t egg his supporters on, instead attempting to lay blame on then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
It took the moderators 40 minutes to bring up the capitol insurrection.
The riot resulted in several deaths and hundreds of injuries. More than 1,000 people have since been charged in connection to the riot.
In connection to his role in the Jan. 6 effort to overturn the election results, Trump has been charged with two felony counts (including one conspiracy count) of obstructing an official proceeding, one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and another felony count of conspiracy against rights.
The trial was originally set for March 2024 but has since been postponed until an unknown date.
Donald Trump Claims To Have Spoke To Vladimir Putin About ‘Dream’ To Invade Ukraine
Asked about Russia’s war in Ukraine, Trump pivoted immediately to Biden’s withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan before bringing up Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We left American citizens behind," Trump said of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
"When Putin saw that, he said, ‘You know what? I think we're gonna go in and maybe take my …’ This was his dream. I talked to him about it. His dream,” Trump went on. He claimed that Putin would “never” have invaded Ukraine with him as president. It is unclear whether Trump ever spoke to Putin about invading Ukraine as he suggested — or when it would have happened.
“We left American citizens behind," Trump said of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
"When Putin saw that, he said, ‘You know what? I think we're gonna go in and maybe take my …’ This was his dream. I talked to him about it. His dream,” Trump went on. He claimed that Putin would “never” have invaded Ukraine with him as president. It is unclear whether Trump ever spoke to Putin about invading Ukraine as he suggested — or when it would have happened.
Biden Kicks Off Name-Calling By Slinging 2 Insults At Trump
Biden brought up the report that Trump had told his general that he did not want to enter a cemetery of veterans because they are “a bunch of suckers and losers.”
“My son was not a loser and was not a sucker,” the president said, referring to his late son Beau who served in Iraq. “You’re the sucker, you’re the loser.”
Trump denied that he ever said that veterans are suckers and losers, and demanded the president apologize to him. Biden condemned “the idea that I have to apologize to you for anything.”
“My son was not a loser and was not a sucker,” the president said, referring to his late son Beau who served in Iraq. “You’re the sucker, you’re the loser.”
Trump denied that he ever said that veterans are suckers and losers, and demanded the president apologize to him. Biden condemned “the idea that I have to apologize to you for anything.”
Donald Trump Unleashes First Hit On Joe Biden’s Memory
Biden was answering a question about the U.S.’ southern border with Mexico, speaking about his efforts to better fund border security efforts that were recently blocked by congressional Republicans.
Trump used the moment to pounce on Biden’s age, a frequent mudsling on the campaign trail.
“I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence,” Trump retorted when the moderators threw to him. “I don’t think he knows what he said either.”
Trump used the moment to pounce on Biden’s age, a frequent mudsling on the campaign trail.
“I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence,” Trump retorted when the moderators threw to him. “I don’t think he knows what he said either.”
Joe Biden Blunders Just Minutes In
Biden appeared to have lost his train of thought in response to Tapper’s question about the national debt. Already struggling with what sounds like a scratchy throat, the president struggled to finish his answer about what his administration would do to improve health care – slowing his speech to a point where he had to pivot and start a new sentence about Medicare, which got cut off after he ran out of time.
The Truth About Trump’s Tariff And What It’d Do To Average Americans
Trump just said the centerpiece of his economic agenda, an across-the-board tariff on imports, wouldn’t raise prices on consumer goods. He’s almost certainly wrong.
The comment came towards the end of a conversation about the economy, with Biden and Trump arguing over whether the inflation of Biden’s first years were his fault -- and what else Biden had or hadn’t done to bring down prices.
Once that was done, Tapper turned to Trump with a followup. Wouldn’t his proposed tariff raise prices on those imports?
Trump said no: “They’re not going to drive prices higher.”
Economists disagree. Just last month, the nonpartisan Peterson Institute for International Economics issued an analysis of Trump’s proposal. Here’s what they concluded:
“A lower-bound estimate of costs to consumers indicates that the tariffs would reduce after-tax incomes by about 3.5 percent for those in the bottom half of the income distribution; tariffs would cost a typical household in the middle of the income distribution at least $1,700 in increased taxes each year. If executed, Trump’s latest tariff proposals would increase manifold the distortions and burdens created by the rounds of tariffs levied during the Trump administration (and sustained during the Biden administration), while inflicting significant collateral damage on the US economy. Domestic job creation claims for the 2018–19 return to protectionism have simply proved false, as discussed below.”
So…. $1,700 in increased costs for the typical middle class family, while “inflicting significant collateral damage on the U.S. economy.”
Sure sounds like higher prices!
The comment came towards the end of a conversation about the economy, with Biden and Trump arguing over whether the inflation of Biden’s first years were his fault -- and what else Biden had or hadn’t done to bring down prices.
Once that was done, Tapper turned to Trump with a followup. Wouldn’t his proposed tariff raise prices on those imports?
Trump said no: “They’re not going to drive prices higher.”
Economists disagree. Just last month, the nonpartisan Peterson Institute for International Economics issued an analysis of Trump’s proposal. Here’s what they concluded:
“A lower-bound estimate of costs to consumers indicates that the tariffs would reduce after-tax incomes by about 3.5 percent for those in the bottom half of the income distribution; tariffs would cost a typical household in the middle of the income distribution at least $1,700 in increased taxes each year. If executed, Trump’s latest tariff proposals would increase manifold the distortions and burdens created by the rounds of tariffs levied during the Trump administration (and sustained during the Biden administration), while inflicting significant collateral damage on the US economy. Domestic job creation claims for the 2018–19 return to protectionism have simply proved false, as discussed below.”
So…. $1,700 in increased costs for the typical middle class family, while “inflicting significant collateral damage on the U.S. economy.”
Sure sounds like higher prices!
Donald Trump Repeats His Same Lies About Abortion
Trump, once again, repeated his false claim that “everybody wanted” to overturn Roe v. Wade, including “every legal scholar throughout the world.”
He also insisted that Democrats want to “take the life of a child in the eighth month, the ninth month, and even after birth.” Abortions in the end stages of pregnancy are extremely rare, and no child is killed after being born. That is homicide and illegal nationwide.
Biden responded that abortions later in pregnancy only take placer when the mother’s “life is in danger, if she's going to die.”
He also insisted that Democrats want to “take the life of a child in the eighth month, the ninth month, and even after birth.” Abortions in the end stages of pregnancy are extremely rare, and no child is killed after being born. That is homicide and illegal nationwide.
Biden responded that abortions later in pregnancy only take placer when the mother’s “life is in danger, if she's going to die.”
Trump Plays Up Immigration Fears Without Evidence
Trump was quick to hit Biden on immigration, stoking fears about undocumented migrants entering the country. But there is no evidence that, as Trump claims, “millions of people” have come to the U.S. from “prisons, jails and mental institutions” in other countries.
Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
The First Question Is About The Economy And Cost Of Living Crisis
Biden gets the first question, about inflation and the state of the economy, and uses it to hit Trump about the economy he left behind.
The president went on to talk about his efforts to lower the price of essential goods and the price of prescription drugs.
Trump responds and sticks to the question, and says the economy was “rocking good” under his tenure.
“He has not done a good job, he’s done a poor job, and inflation is killing our country,” Trump said. “It’s killing us.”
His economy “rewarded the wealthy” Biden replied, noting Trump left the U.S. with the a historic deficit.
The president went on to talk about his efforts to lower the price of essential goods and the price of prescription drugs.
Trump responds and sticks to the question, and says the economy was “rocking good” under his tenure.
“He has not done a good job, he’s done a poor job, and inflation is killing our country,” Trump said. “It’s killing us.”
His economy “rewarded the wealthy” Biden replied, noting Trump left the U.S. with the a historic deficit.
Here We Go
The candidates have taken the stage in Atlanta for their first 2024 debate. Biden is in a muted blue tie, standing on the right, while Trump is in a red tie, standing on the left.
They did not shake hands, instead walking directly to their respective lecterns.
They did not shake hands, instead walking directly to their respective lecterns.
Here’s What Gov. Gavin Newsom Said Before The Debate
California Gov. Gavin Newsom voiced his support for Biden, working as a campaign surrogate appearing in the “spin room” ahead of the debate.
“This has an impact around the globe. This is about electing the leader of the free world. America matters. It’s about our moral authority, not just our formal authority,” Newsom said when he arrived, NBC News reported.
“You got someone that brings a moral voice in the work as president and someone that did just the opposite and has no moral compass whatsoever,” he added.
During CNN’s pre-debate coverage, CNN’s Erin Burnett asked Newsom to address rumors that Biden and Trump are considering not shaking hands.
“If we’re getting into this kind of nitty-gritty, we’re running out of punditry,” he said, adding that he hoped they would shake hands.
“This has an impact around the globe. This is about electing the leader of the free world. America matters. It’s about our moral authority, not just our formal authority,” Newsom said when he arrived, NBC News reported.
“You got someone that brings a moral voice in the work as president and someone that did just the opposite and has no moral compass whatsoever,” he added.
During CNN’s pre-debate coverage, CNN’s Erin Burnett asked Newsom to address rumors that Biden and Trump are considering not shaking hands.
“If we’re getting into this kind of nitty-gritty, we’re running out of punditry,” he said, adding that he hoped they would shake hands.
Meet Your Moderators: Dana Bash And Jake Tapper
Bash and Tapper are both veterans at moderating presidential debates and oversaw several in 2016 and 2020. Bash, CNN’s chief political correspondent and the anchor of “Inside Politics,” and Tapper, the network’s chief Washington correspondent and anchor of “The Lead,” also co-moderated a Republican primary debate earlier this year.
Neither of them have many qualms with calling out Trump’s questionable behavior, but Tapper especially has a long history of criticizing the former president, saying he tried to “kill democracy” after losing the 2020 election to Biden.
The two were highly critical of a chaotic Biden-Trump debate Fox News hosted in 2020, with Tapper calling it a “hot mess inside a dumpster fire, inside a train wreck” and Bash branding it “a shitshow” and comparing it to a “bad reality TV show.” The moderator of that debate, Chris Wallace, is now their CNN colleague.
Neither of them have many qualms with calling out Trump’s questionable behavior, but Tapper especially has a long history of criticizing the former president, saying he tried to “kill democracy” after losing the 2020 election to Biden.
The two were highly critical of a chaotic Biden-Trump debate Fox News hosted in 2020, with Tapper calling it a “hot mess inside a dumpster fire, inside a train wreck” and Bash branding it “a shitshow” and comparing it to a “bad reality TV show.” The moderator of that debate, Chris Wallace, is now their CNN colleague.
A Special Beverage Has Joe Biden Saying He Feels ‘Jacked Up’
In an effort to make fun of the Trump campaign’s accusation that the president takes performance-enhancing drugs, Biden posted a photo of himself holding a can that says: “Dark Brandon’s Secret Sauce.”
The can displays the now-popular “Dark Brandon” meme, labeled with Biden’s name and “Zero Malarkey” at the top. The drink is only water, according to the can, but the ingredients listed include “MAGA Tears,” “Mysterious Orange Liquid” and “Melted Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.”
“I don’t know what they’ve got in these performance enhancers, but I’m feeling jacked up,” the president posted on social media. “Try it yourselves, folks.”
The photo was taken by the first lady, according to the president.
The president responded to the same accusation in a similar manner during a debate in 2020, posting a photo of wired headphones and a pint of Jeni’s ice cream in the flavor of salted peanut butter with chocolate flecks.
“It’s debate night, so I’ve got my earpiece and performance enhancers ready,” that post said.
The can displays the now-popular “Dark Brandon” meme, labeled with Biden’s name and “Zero Malarkey” at the top. The drink is only water, according to the can, but the ingredients listed include “MAGA Tears,” “Mysterious Orange Liquid” and “Melted Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.”
“I don’t know what they’ve got in these performance enhancers, but I’m feeling jacked up,” the president posted on social media. “Try it yourselves, folks.”
The photo was taken by the first lady, according to the president.
The president responded to the same accusation in a similar manner during a debate in 2020, posting a photo of wired headphones and a pint of Jeni’s ice cream in the flavor of salted peanut butter with chocolate flecks.
“It’s debate night, so I’ve got my earpiece and performance enhancers ready,” that post said.
Biden Campaign Has New Best-Ever Fundraising Hour
Fresh off their last record-breaking hour, HuffPost’s S.V. Dáte reports the Biden campaign raised more grassroots funds in the 6 to 7 p.m. ET hour than any other to date. Prior to today, the campaign’s previous best-ever fundraising hour was during the State of the Union, according to a Biden campaign official.
Biden Campaign Has Best-Ever Fundraising Hour: Report
In a sign of the debate’s potential impact, the Biden campaign raised more funds in the 5 to 6 p.m. hour Thursday than any other hour to date, a representative told NBC News.
Tonight Will Be The First Debate Without An In-Person Audience Since 1960
Tonight’s debate will be unusual in modern-day politics as it will be the first without an in-person audience in more than 60 years.
The last time two candidates faced off without one was in 1960 when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy appeared in the first televised debates between presidential contenders. Their first appearance was a turning point in Kennedy’s campaign and he went on to surge to victory.
There were no ensuing presidential debates until 1976, but since then, every single one has included a live audience. That includes 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biden’s camp demanded there be no audience, according to The New York Times, to avoid cheers or boos that have long been a feature of any event Trump appears at.
The last time two candidates faced off without one was in 1960 when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy appeared in the first televised debates between presidential contenders. Their first appearance was a turning point in Kennedy’s campaign and he went on to surge to victory.
There were no ensuing presidential debates until 1976, but since then, every single one has included a live audience. That includes 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biden’s camp demanded there be no audience, according to The New York Times, to avoid cheers or boos that have long been a feature of any event Trump appears at.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
These Are The Rules For Tonight's Presidential Debate
Both Biden and Trump have agreed to a strict set of rules for tonight’s match-up:
— The debate will be 90 minutes with two commercial breaks.
— Candidates are not allowed to interact with their campaign staff during the breaks.
— There will be no audience and podium positions are determined by a coin flip.
— Microphones will be muted except when it’s a candidates turn to speak.
— Participants are not allowed any pre-written notes, only a pen, pad of paper and bottle of water.
CNN said moderators will use “all tools at their disposal” to ensure a “civilized discussion.”
— The debate will be 90 minutes with two commercial breaks.
— Candidates are not allowed to interact with their campaign staff during the breaks.
— There will be no audience and podium positions are determined by a coin flip.
— Microphones will be muted except when it’s a candidates turn to speak.
— Participants are not allowed any pre-written notes, only a pen, pad of paper and bottle of water.
CNN said moderators will use “all tools at their disposal” to ensure a “civilized discussion.”
Campaigns Plot Dueling Debate Ad Segments Featuring Abortion, Capitol Riot, Biden’s Stairway Stumble
The Biden-Harris campaign says it plans to air three ads as part of a messaging “blitz” between segments of the debate. One will feature Amanda Zurawski, the Texas woman who nearly died under her home state’s extreme abortion ban after Trump nominated judges who helped overturn nationwide abortion rights. Another features a sheriff from Michigan, Chris Swanson, who talks about the violence the nation witnessed during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. A third contrasts Biden’s character with that of Trump.
Trump’s team says it plans to air two ads around the debate. One features imagery of Biden stumbling on a staircase to question his fitness for office at age 81. (Trump is 78.) Another asks voters whether they are better off now than when Trump left office in January 2020.
CNN’s editorial standards, however, stipulate that the political ads are not shown during the debate. The Biden and Trump ads can only be shown before and after the main event, although other networks airing the debate are not subject to these rules.
Trump’s team says it plans to air two ads around the debate. One features imagery of Biden stumbling on a staircase to question his fitness for office at age 81. (Trump is 78.) Another asks voters whether they are better off now than when Trump left office in January 2020.
CNN’s editorial standards, however, stipulate that the political ads are not shown during the debate. The Biden and Trump ads can only be shown before and after the main event, although other networks airing the debate are not subject to these rules.
Trump Deplanes Ahead Of Debate
The former president was spotted leaving his personal jet en route to CNN’s Atlanta studio where he will face Biden. His wife, Melania Trump, does not appear to be with him.
Joe Biden's Campaign Responds To Trump's Talking Points Leak
A member of Biden’s campaign team had a deadpan response after Trump appeared to leak some of his debate talking points on social media.
Read more:
Read more:
Biden’s Spin Room Lineup Features A Trump Family Member
ATLANTA — Biden’s campaign released a list of surrogates who will appear on the president’s behalf after the debate — and a Trump has made the list.
Mary Trump, the former president’s outspoken niece, will be among the campaign supporters who will speak to “the startling contrast between each candidate’s character,” according to a Biden campaign official. Mary Trump released a book in 2020, “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man.”
In a statement, she warned against giving her uncle another term.
"I’m in Atlanta tonight to remind everyone who Donald is as a person and how he would rule as a president because the stakes are far too high for us to get this wrong: We cannot afford to allow Donald Trump anywhere near the levers of power again,” she said.
She continued: "Donald cannot be trusted and we must recognize that his last administration was simply a warm-up for much worse to come just as January 6th was a dress rehearsal for a man who will stop at nothing to ascend, once again, to this country’s highest office.”
Other Biden surrogates include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), former Atlanta Mayor Kesha Lance-Bottoms, former Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), and Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)
Mary Trump, the former president’s outspoken niece, will be among the campaign supporters who will speak to “the startling contrast between each candidate’s character,” according to a Biden campaign official. Mary Trump released a book in 2020, “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man.”
In a statement, she warned against giving her uncle another term.
"I’m in Atlanta tonight to remind everyone who Donald is as a person and how he would rule as a president because the stakes are far too high for us to get this wrong: We cannot afford to allow Donald Trump anywhere near the levers of power again,” she said.
She continued: "Donald cannot be trusted and we must recognize that his last administration was simply a warm-up for much worse to come just as January 6th was a dress rehearsal for a man who will stop at nothing to ascend, once again, to this country’s highest office.”
Other Biden surrogates include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), former Atlanta Mayor Kesha Lance-Bottoms, former Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), and Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)
Trump Posts Talking Points Ahead Of The Debate — And They're From An Ex-Coal Lobbyist
In a perplexing move hours before Thursday’s presidential debate, former President Donald Trump took to social media to share with the world — and his opponent — a series of talking points that Andrew Wheeler, his former Environmental Protection Agency administrator, apparently encouraged Trump to stick to if asked about climate change.
Among other things, Wheeler, a former coal and energy lobbyist, urged Trump to tout how “CO2 emissions went down” on his watch while the U.S. “became more energy dominant.”
“If you get push back during rebuttal and you need another point:” Wheeler added, “Joe Biden is shutting down U.S. energy, canceling pipelines, stopping federal leases.”
While Republicans have relentlessly accused Biden of being “at war with” fossil fuels and destroying so-called Trump-era “energy dominance,” U.S. production of crude oil and exports of natural gas have soared during the president’s tenure.
It is also worth noting that during his time at the helm of EPA, Wheeler sought to have it both ways on carbon emissions, as HuffPost previously reported. When emissions fell from 2016 to 2017, he argued it was because Trump’s deregulatory agency had spurred innovation in the energy sector. When they rose sharply in 2018, Wheeler attributed it primarily to Trump having triggered “an uptick in manufacturing and industrial output.”
Trump’s decision to share debate talking points ahead of time seemingly left the Biden camp scratching its head.
“Donald Trump is just posting his debate talking points,” Ammar Moussa, a Biden campaign spokesperson, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Thanks I guess.”
Among other things, Wheeler, a former coal and energy lobbyist, urged Trump to tout how “CO2 emissions went down” on his watch while the U.S. “became more energy dominant.”
“If you get push back during rebuttal and you need another point:” Wheeler added, “Joe Biden is shutting down U.S. energy, canceling pipelines, stopping federal leases.”
While Republicans have relentlessly accused Biden of being “at war with” fossil fuels and destroying so-called Trump-era “energy dominance,” U.S. production of crude oil and exports of natural gas have soared during the president’s tenure.
It is also worth noting that during his time at the helm of EPA, Wheeler sought to have it both ways on carbon emissions, as HuffPost previously reported. When emissions fell from 2016 to 2017, he argued it was because Trump’s deregulatory agency had spurred innovation in the energy sector. When they rose sharply in 2018, Wheeler attributed it primarily to Trump having triggered “an uptick in manufacturing and industrial output.”
Trump’s decision to share debate talking points ahead of time seemingly left the Biden camp scratching its head.
“Donald Trump is just posting his debate talking points,” Ammar Moussa, a Biden campaign spokesperson, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Thanks I guess.”
Joe Biden Meets Supporters After Arriving In The Beast
The president’s motorcade stopped at an outdoor gathering of Biden supporters in Atlanta who cheered upon seeing him, according to a pool report. Supporters showed up with campaign signs and posters with Dark Brandon cutouts, while chanting, “Four more years!”
Biden shook hands and posed for photos with his supporters after greeting Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), a top campaign surrogate, according to the report.
Pool reporters said they passed a small group of Trump supporters while leaving the air base.
Biden shook hands and posed for photos with his supporters after greeting Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), a top campaign surrogate, according to the report.
Pool reporters said they passed a small group of Trump supporters while leaving the air base.
Liz Skalka / HuffPost
Inside The Arena Where Reporters Are Watching The Debate
ATLANTA — Welcome to the Thrillerdome.
That’s where a few hundred reporters will be watching tonight’s debate from what normally serves as a basketball arena at the Georgia Institute of Technology in midtown Atlanta, all while Trump and Biden meet at a CNN studio down the street.
No reporters — except for the two moderators and a number of still photographers — will be present in-person for the debate, although the White House Correspondents Association is pushing for the network to allow a print pool reporter into the debate studio. (Not even the pool reporters who follow Biden around throughout most of the day are currently allowed inside.)
Reporters are gathered at the school’s McCamish Pavilion, stationed at tables fanned out across an upper level above empty stadium seating. Roads are shut down for blocks around the pavilion and CNN’s headquarters in anticipation of Biden’s and Trump’s motorcades.
It’s the first time since 1960 that two presidential candidates have debated without a live audience. Both Trump and Biden agreed to this setup to avoid the distraction of a live audience.
That’s where a few hundred reporters will be watching tonight’s debate from what normally serves as a basketball arena at the Georgia Institute of Technology in midtown Atlanta, all while Trump and Biden meet at a CNN studio down the street.
No reporters — except for the two moderators and a number of still photographers — will be present in-person for the debate, although the White House Correspondents Association is pushing for the network to allow a print pool reporter into the debate studio. (Not even the pool reporters who follow Biden around throughout most of the day are currently allowed inside.)
Reporters are gathered at the school’s McCamish Pavilion, stationed at tables fanned out across an upper level above empty stadium seating. Roads are shut down for blocks around the pavilion and CNN’s headquarters in anticipation of Biden’s and Trump’s motorcades.
It’s the first time since 1960 that two presidential candidates have debated without a live audience. Both Trump and Biden agreed to this setup to avoid the distraction of a live audience.
Here’s How You Can Watch The Debate Tonight
The debate will air live on CNN’s broadcast network at 9 p.m. ET, in addition to CNN International, CNN en Español and CNN Max. Users will be able to stream the debate on CNN’s website as well, without having to log in.
Some networks have also agreed to simulcast the event live both on TV and through streaming, including CBS, NBC and PBS. The 90-minute debate is expected to have two commercial breaks.
If watching the debate isn’t an option, stay tuned to HuffPost — we'll be live-blogging throughout the event, so you don’t miss any notable moments.
Some networks have also agreed to simulcast the event live both on TV and through streaming, including CBS, NBC and PBS. The 90-minute debate is expected to have two commercial breaks.
If watching the debate isn’t an option, stay tuned to HuffPost — we'll be live-blogging throughout the event, so you don’t miss any notable moments.
President Biden Has Arrived In Atlanta
Biden arrived in Atlanta ahead of tonight’s debate just after 3 p.m. Reuters cameras captured Air Force One as it landed at Dobbins Air Base. Biden greeted about a dozen people on the tarmac, including former Georgia Rep. Stacey Abrams, according to the White House pool report.
Trump's VP Short List
Any day now, Donald Trump is hinting he’s going to announce his running mate in the 2024 presidential election. He told reporters last weekend that he’s made his decision and that this person will be in attendance at Thursday’s presidential debate.
Read more here.
Read more here.
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Reporters Denied Access To Debate Studio Speak Out
The White House Correspondents Association said it’s “deeply concerned” that CNN has denied the travel pool – the group of reporters that travel with the president – access to its studio during tonight’s debate.
CNN is only allowing one print reporter access to the studio during a commercial break, despite WHCA asking the network to allow at least one in for the duration of the debate.
“That is not sufficient in our view and diminishes a core principle of presidential coverage,” the organization said. “The White House pool has a duty to document, report and witness the president’s events and his movements on behalf of the American people.
Pool members have been allowed in the studio for the duration of past debates, the organization noted.
See the WHCA’s full statement here.
CNN is only allowing one print reporter access to the studio during a commercial break, despite WHCA asking the network to allow at least one in for the duration of the debate.
“That is not sufficient in our view and diminishes a core principle of presidential coverage,” the organization said. “The White House pool has a duty to document, report and witness the president’s events and his movements on behalf of the American people.
Pool members have been allowed in the studio for the duration of past debates, the organization noted.
See the WHCA’s full statement here.
Watch This Supercut Of Republicans Whining About Tonight's Debate
Donald Trump agreed to the rules of tonight's debate, but Republicans aren't having the format.
HuffPost's David Moye reports:
HuffPost's David Moye reports:
Biden Shares Video Of Former Trump Staffers Saying He’s Unfit For Office
President Biden’s team released a damning montage Thursday of former Trump staffers sounding the alarm about their old boss.
The 38-second clip features former Vice President Mike Pence; former Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley; Trump communications director Alyssa Farah; Trump’s Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper; and Trump’s national security advisor, John Bolton, among others.
“I cannot in good conscience endorse Donald Trump,” Pence says in the clip. (Recall that Trump allegedly cheered on the mob on Jan. 6, 2021 —as supporters called for his own vice president to be hanged — and said that “Mike Pence deserves it.”)
Pence is followed by a speech excerpt from Gen. Milley, who references Trump as “a wannabe dictator,” and Farah, who says, “We worked with him. We knew him. This man is unfit to be president.”
Watch the clip, below:
The 38-second clip features former Vice President Mike Pence; former Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley; Trump communications director Alyssa Farah; Trump’s Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper; and Trump’s national security advisor, John Bolton, among others.
“I cannot in good conscience endorse Donald Trump,” Pence says in the clip. (Recall that Trump allegedly cheered on the mob on Jan. 6, 2021 —as supporters called for his own vice president to be hanged — and said that “Mike Pence deserves it.”)
Pence is followed by a speech excerpt from Gen. Milley, who references Trump as “a wannabe dictator,” and Farah, who says, “We worked with him. We knew him. This man is unfit to be president.”
Watch the clip, below:
Trump Spends Time Before Debate Ranting About Women, Fox News, Biden
Ahead of one of the most consequential performances of his political career, Trump retreated to Truth Social for a trio of angry, all-caps rants.
In one post, Trump called Biden a “NIGHTMARE FOR WOMEN,” conveniently ignoring his pivotal role in denying women access to reproductive healthcare.
In a second, Trump attacked Fox News for speaking with Michael Tyler, a Biden communications director, writing: “WHY DOES FOXNEWS PUT ON SO MANY BIDEN PEOPLE, LIKE MICHAEL TYLER, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR BIDEN, WHO SPEWED LIES WITH VERY LITTLE PUSHBACK? AMAZING!!!”
And in a third, Trump, who attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, accused Biden of being “A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY.”
In one post, Trump called Biden a “NIGHTMARE FOR WOMEN,” conveniently ignoring his pivotal role in denying women access to reproductive healthcare.
In a second, Trump attacked Fox News for speaking with Michael Tyler, a Biden communications director, writing: “WHY DOES FOXNEWS PUT ON SO MANY BIDEN PEOPLE, LIKE MICHAEL TYLER, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR BIDEN, WHO SPEWED LIES WITH VERY LITTLE PUSHBACK? AMAZING!!!”
And in a third, Trump, who attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, accused Biden of being “A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY.”
Here's How The Debate Mics Will Work
CNN demonstrated how the microphones at tonight's debate — which will mute whenever it's not a candidate's turn to speak — will work.
Debate Commission Co-Chair Slams CNN Over Tonight's Rules
CNN earned the rebuke of the co-chair of the Commission on Presidential Debates over their decision to make changes to the typical format of presidential debates as they prepare to host the first one of the 2024 campaign cycle.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Supreme Court Decides To Sit On Trump Immunity Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court didn’t release a highly anticipated ruling Thursday regarding Trump’s claim of immunity from criminal prosecution for his actions while in office. Instead, the opinion seems likely to be published next week, long after tonight’s debate has concluded.
Trump has argued that former presidents are entitled to absolute immunity for their official acts, thus clearing him of any legal repercussions for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
In one particularly absurd hearing, Trump lawyer Jack Sauer argued a president could order the assassination of a political rival and not be prosecuted for it.
Trump has argued that former presidents are entitled to absolute immunity for their official acts, thus clearing him of any legal repercussions for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
In one particularly absurd hearing, Trump lawyer Jack Sauer argued a president could order the assassination of a political rival and not be prosecuted for it.
Voters Have Higher Expectations For Trump Than Biden: NYT Poll
A New York Times/Siena College poll released Thursday found 60 percent of registered voters expected Trump would perform “very” or “somewhat” well in tonight’s debate, while only 46 percent said the same of Biden.
Trump has attempted to raise expectations for Biden by claiming, without any evidence, that the current president will be on drugs during the debate.
Trump’s made the same wholly unsubstantiated claim in previous debates, going back to his 2016 debates with Hillary Clinton.
Trump has attempted to raise expectations for Biden by claiming, without any evidence, that the current president will be on drugs during the debate.
Trump’s made the same wholly unsubstantiated claim in previous debates, going back to his 2016 debates with Hillary Clinton.
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RFK Jr. Didn’t Qualify For Tonight’s Debate, Vows To Answer The Questions Anyway
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. didn’t meet the polling threshold CNN set to qualify for tonight’s debate, so he’s going to livestream himself answering the same debate questions from a studio in Los Angeles.
CNN offered the independent candidate a podium if he could both exceed 15% in four high-quality national polls, and earn a spot on the ballot in enough states to theoretically win 270 electoral votes.
Unlike CNN’s forum, Kennedy will answer questions in front of a live — and presumably quite friendly — audience.
CNN offered the independent candidate a podium if he could both exceed 15% in four high-quality national polls, and earn a spot on the ballot in enough states to theoretically win 270 electoral votes.
Unlike CNN’s forum, Kennedy will answer questions in front of a live — and presumably quite friendly — audience.
Joe Biden Goes After Donald Trump About Jan. 6 Ahead Of Debate
On the eve of his first 2024 election debate with his recently convicted predecessor, Biden ramped up his criticism of Trump’s actions leading up to and on the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol he incited in his last-gasp attempt to hang on to power.
Biden’s campaign on Wednesday morning rolled out an endorsement from former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, a member of the House Jan. 6 committee that investigated the assault. That was followed by the release of a new ad featuring a Michigan sheriff criticizing Trump for doing nothing for three hours while his followers violently attacked police officers protecting the Capitol.
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Biden’s campaign on Wednesday morning rolled out an endorsement from former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, a member of the House Jan. 6 committee that investigated the assault. That was followed by the release of a new ad featuring a Michigan sheriff criticizing Trump for doing nothing for three hours while his followers violently attacked police officers protecting the Capitol.
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What To Know Ahead Of Tonight's Debate
You may think we’ve been here before — and we have.
Biden and Trump are facing off Thursday night in their first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign. They’ve done this before, of course, four years ago, but things are different now.
Here's what to know:
Biden and Trump are facing off Thursday night in their first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign. They’ve done this before, of course, four years ago, but things are different now.
Here's what to know:
Stay Tuned For Debate Updates
We'll have updates throughout Thursday afternoon and evening leading up to the debate at 9 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
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