WASHINGTON. The recent presidential debate has left many voters feeling more conflicted than ever about their choices in the upcoming 2024 United States presidential election. Amidst the emotional support for Donald Trump, many Americans, including some of President Joe Biden’s supporters, are grappling with doubts about the fitness of either candidate to lead the nation.
Before the first general election debate, voters were already uneasy about their options, as both candidates faced significant unpopularity. During the debate, Trump’s sharp and vigorous delivery of falsehoods contrasted with Biden’s struggle to articulate his points, exacerbating concerns about the 81-year-old president’s ability to serve another term.
Many Democrats, undecided voters, and anti-Trump Republicans are now even more dispirited. For instance, Matthew Toellner, a registered Democrat from Denver, expressed his frustration, “I’m going to vote for Biden… Actually, I might not.” Reflecting the sentiment of many, he added, “I’m going to vote for Biden, I think I’d be a fool not to. But I just hate that I have to.”
In Detroit, Arabia Simeon, a startup owner, echoed this political disillusionment. “It just feels like we’re doomed no matter what,” she lamented, struggling to choose between Biden and an independent candidate. As a Black and queer individual, she found the choice between “two white men” particularly disheartening.
Public reaction to the debate has been mixed. Some Biden supporters remain steadfast despite his performance. Jocardo Ralston, a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, stated, “Biden is not the ideal choice for many, but he is the only choice for me, without regrets or hesitation.” He emphasized his opposition to Trump’s values and policies.
Biden acknowledged his debate shortcomings at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, saying, “I know I’m not the debater I used to be. I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done.” While he managed to rally his supporters with a spirited speech, the debate left many feeling uneasy.
Despite widespread concern, Democratic lawmakers and party officials largely continue to support Biden. Sharif Street, chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, remarked, “It’s President Biden’s decision what he wants to do with his life… So far, he’s decided he’s our nominee, and I’m with him.”
The debate has intensified the existing political divide and voter dissatisfaction, leaving many Americans feeling more uncertain about the future leadership of the nation. As the election approaches, the challenge for both candidates will be to regain the confidence of a disillusioned electorate.
Biden Vows to Beat Trump Despite Debate Stumble
In Raleigh, North Carolina, President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his determination to defeat Republican rival Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, dismissing any notion of withdrawing from the race despite a lackluster debate performance.
Addressing a rally the day after the debate, Biden candidly acknowledged his age and debate struggles. “I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious,” he 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. I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul that I could do this job. The stakes are too high.”
Biden’s debate performance, marked by verbal stumbles, has raised concerns about his fitness for another term. However, campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler dismissed any speculation of Biden dropping out. “We’d rather have one bad night than a candidate with a bad vision for where he wants to take the country,” he stated.
While some Democrats have expressed doubts, many senior party figures, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, continue to support Biden. Obama noted, “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and somebody who only cares about himself.”
The Biden campaign reported raising $14 million immediately after the debate, highlighting continued financial support. In contrast, Trump’s campaign raised $8 million.
At a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, Trump declared a “big victory” from the debate, criticizing Biden’s competence rather than his age. “Joe Biden’s problem is not his age. It’s his competence,” Trump asserted.
Biden’s shaky performance drew global attention, with some allies expressing concerns about his capability to continue. Despite this, Biden remains committed to the race, aiming to reassure his supporters and maintain party unity.
As the election draws nearer, Biden’s challenge will be to overcome the debate’s fallout and solidify his support base, while Trump capitalizes on the opportunity to bolster his campaign. The race continues to be a pivotal moment for both candidates and the nation.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
