Topline
President Joe Biden told donors Tuesday he almost “fell asleep on stage” during his debate against former President Donald Trump last week, blaming excessive international travel prior to the event for his rocky performance—though the president prepared for the debate at Camp David, Maryland, for six days before it took place.
Biden made the statement at a fundraiser Tuesday. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Key Facts
Biden acknowledged his less-than-ideal performance in last week’s debate, saying he “wasn’t very smart for traveling around the world a couple times before the debate,” according to a White House pool report.
The president suggested he was very tired heading into the debate, blaming his poor performance on “traveling around the world a couple times,” seemingly referring to trips he took much earlier in June—Biden attended the G7 summit in Italy on June 14 and was in France for D-Day commemorations on June 6.
Biden also said he “didn’t listen” to his staff before the debate, seemingly referring again to his travel schedule.
Biden did not mention being sick during the debate despite campaign sources claiming last week that he was suffering from a cold.
The president framed his statement as an explanation, assuring donors in McLean, Virginia it was “not an excuse.”
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Key Background
The largest headlines out of Thursday’s presidential debate revolved around Biden’s mental acuity and verbal stumbles during the event. The president spoke with a hoarse voice through much of the debate, regularly lost his train of thought and corrected himself while answering moderator questions. The performance triggered calls for the 81-year-old to drop out of the presidential race. Editorial boards for The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution have called for Biden to withdraw, in addition to Democrats such as Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas. Biden has largely defended his debate performance since last week, occasionally acknowledging his shortcomings and age.
Further Reading
Here’s Who Is Calling On Joe Biden To Drop Out—A Democratic Lawmaker, Pundits And A Former Staffer (Forbes)