Biden freezes mid-answer during presidential election debate

Oliver Browning

28 June 2024 at 4:12 am·1-min read

Joe Biden appeared to freeze and stumble over his words during the first presidential debate on Thursday night (27 June).

At times, the US president struggled to stem a barrage of attacks and false claims from his Republican rival Donald Trump.

The Biden campaign had hoped that a strong debate would quell concerns among voters that the 81-year-old Democratic incumbent is too old to serve a second four-year term.

Instead, a hoarse-sounding Biden stumbled over his words, especially in the early stages of the debate.

Two White House officials said mid-debate that the president had a cold, but that only further reflected anxiety about his performance.

The Independent
51 million viewers tune in for Biden’s debate debacle against Trump
Number of people tuning in dropped more than 30 percent from 2020’s opening presidential debate
People
Joe Biden Addresses Presidential Debate Performance: 'Don't Speak as Smoothly as I Used to'
Biden and Donald Trump took the stage in Atlanta for an unprecedented presidential debate Thursday
CNN
Obama backs Biden after debate with Trump
Former President Barack Obama took to social media to defend President Joe Biden following the criticism from the debate with Trump.
The Hill
Obama backs Biden after rough debate performance
Former President Obama urged voters Friday to back President Biden in November despite a poor showing by the president in the previous night’s debate. “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know,” Obama posted on the social platform X. “But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his…
INSIDER
Biden meets family at Camp David as calls to exit the race grow
The meeting was pre-planned but is a timely opportunity for Biden to discuss the future of his campaign with the most influential people in his life.
Associated Press
An Indian military tank sinks while crossing a river in a region bordering China, killing 5 soldiers
Five Indian soldiers were killed when a military tank they were travelling in sank while crossing a river in the remote region of Ladakh that borders China, officials said Saturday. The tank sank early Saturday due to sudden increase in the water levels of Shyok River during a military training activity, according to an Indian army command center statement. It said the accident took place in Saser Brangsa near the Line of Actual Control that divides India and China in the Ladakh region.
INSIDER
Israel has never been impressed with its version of the $1 billion Patriot air defense system. Now it could offload up to 8 to Ukraine.
Ukraine has long coveted more of the $1 billion US-manufactured Patriot air defense systems.
CNN
The reason why NATO and Europe found Biden’s debate performance so alarming
Joe Biden’s performance at the CNN presidential debate against Donald Trump has raised concerns with US allies - particularly within NATO and Europe.
The Telegraph
‘Trillion dollar trainwreck’: US super stealth fighter is eating the next generation
All of a sudden, the US Air Force is considering cancelling a multibillion-dollar effort to develop a new stealth fighter. Citing the high cost of the so-called “Next-Generation Air Dominance” programme and the competing demands of other projects, USAF leaders have warned they may have no choice but to cancel NGAD – and find other ways of winning control of the air in future wars.
CNN
Russia wants to confront NATO but dares not fight it on the battlefield – so it’s waging a hybrid war instead
When someone tried – and failed – to burn down a bus garage in Prague earlier this month, the unsuccessful arson attack didn’t draw much attention. Until, that is, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala revealed it was “very likely” that Moscow was behind it.
The Telegraph
Joe Biden ‘gets tired after 4pm’
Joe Biden gets tired after 4pm, according to aides, which might explain his dismal performance on Thursday’s 9pm debate.
CNN
A year ago, she drank battery acid to escape life under the Taliban. Today, she has a message for other Afghan girls
Arzo survived a suicide attempt but now faces a new threat that could send her family – and millions like them – back to Afghanistan and a life that has become so intolerable for women and girls that some would rather die.
CNN Business
One of the world’s richest men wants to transform India’s biggest slum
When Masoom Ali Shaikh arrived in Mumbai in 1974 as a young man from northern India, the patch of land where he set up shop was “just a creek with no proper road and garbage all around,” he said.
The Guardian
‘I am not made for war’: the men fleeing Ukraine to evade conscription
As a new recruitment drive looms, some are turning to online handlers and forgers to escape the horror of war
The Independent
‘Panicking’ Rishi Sunak in final weekend of campaigning to save his own seat
Rishi Sunak‘s team asked for a hustings to be arranged in his own constituency which was later cancelled as he tries to make sure he saves his own seat
South China Morning Post
Berlin's shift on China policy is result of Beijing's changed behaviour, German envoy says
Beijing's changing behaviour towards Europe has compelled Berlin to re-evaluate its China policy, a top German diplomat said on Friday. Speaking at the Hudson Institute in Washington, Thomas Bagger, state secretary at the German foreign ministry, declared that Germany's stance towards Beijing has moved to a heightened rivalry, a response to Beijing's actions rather than pressure from Washington. "It's quite clear that the emphasis has shifted from a focus on partnership and cooperation to more c
The Hill
Bernie Sanders on Biden’s performance: ‘Not terribly articulate to say the least’
In his first public comments since President Biden took to the debate stage last night, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said the president failed to clearly articulate his achievements or vision for the future. “I have to also be very honest with you and tell you that I think the president was not terribly articulate to…
INSIDER
Huge US military 'Manta Ray' sea drone spotted on Google Earth at California naval base
Sea drones have redefined naval warfare in recent years. Their use in the Russia-Ukraine war has gained them widespread media attention.
PA Media: UK News
Sunak praises ‘incredible strength’ of his wife and daughters during campaign
Rishi Sunak has also reiterated his criticism of the racial slur used against him by a Reform UK canvasser.
The Hill
Biden’s difficult debate puts spotlight on Harris
President Biden’s lackluster debate performance has thrust Vice President Harris into the spotlight. After Biden struggled against former President Trump, Harris hit the airwaves to defend her running mate’s record and ability to handle the job. But she was also central to conversations among some Democrats about whether Biden should step aside, a move that…

Latest stories