Democrats count on Biden bringing State of the Union performance to Trump debate
By
David Sivak
and
Marisa Schultz
May 30, 2024 7:00 am
.
Democrats are banking on President Joe Biden delivering a strong debate performance next month following an expectations-defying State of the Union that eased concerns about him leading the 2024 ticket.
Republicans have seized on the 81-year-old Biden’s gaffes and forgetfulness to make the case he is mentally unfit for a second term. Those concerns were seemingly validated when, weeks before the March State of the Union, then-special counsel Robert Hur judged the president would come across as a “well-meaning, elderly man” in his classified documents case.
Biden delivered an energetic, stump-style speech that helped tamp down a brewing Democratic panic. But the Biden campaign continues to be dogged by months of polling showing him behind in his presidential rematch with former President Donald Trump.
Biden is taking a gamble with his decision to debate the former president twice before the November election. The first debate, set for June 27, could reinforce the same narrative about his age if he does not meet the low expectations of lucidity set for him.
However, Democrats were encouraged by his State of the Union and are counting on him to deliver a similar performance at the first debate.
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/presidential/3021552/democrats-biden-trump-debate-state-of-union/