In what was billed as the must-watch showdown before the upcoming U.S. presidential election, President Joe Biden delivered a masterclass in hesitancy, while former President Donald Trump treated viewers to a relentless stream of 'alternative facts.' Amid their verbal jabs, America witnessed a display of senior statesmanship as the oldest candidates in U.S. history traded barbs over decisive topics such as abortion, immigration, and the economy.
Biden's allies attributed his faltering delivery to a cold, though doubts about his age (81) persisted. Meanwhile, Trump, no stranger to legal controversies, poured out his trademark fabrications, eager to prove his physical fitness despite ongoing challenges. The debate played out without a live audience, interrupted only by automated microphone cuts to prevent disruptions. With polls showing a dead heat and widespread voter dissatisfaction, Democrats are now scrambling to find alternatives who could replace Biden, with growing concerns about his fitness and age.
Jon Stewart, on 'The Daily Show,' remarked: 'Let me just say after watching tonight’s debate: both of these men should be using performance-enhancing drugs. If it helps them speak more clearly, solve problems, and, in one case, address truthfulness, morality, and narcissism, then let's go for it.'
Netizens added to the surreal atmosphere with humorous reactions on X (previously Twitter).
CNN feels like Biden's funeral
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) June 28, 2024
"It's not just panic, it's pain." pic.twitter.com/h3MKtuiCcu
He’s running. pic.twitter.com/9FsGJIvJM0
— Daniel (@growing_daniel) June 28, 2024
what my gf says to me after dinner with her parents: pic.twitter.com/6VeD7XcHzq
— Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) June 28, 2024
Had dinner with two retired historians from East Germany yesterday, both of whom expressed supreme confidence that the United States has entered its “Soviet phase”. Hard to disagree. pic.twitter.com/rIQFb5DOeT
— Loren Balhorn (@fraubalhorn) June 28, 2024
Canadians watching this debate. pic.twitter.com/bedl7ahPqc
— Ahmed Ali (@DrAhmednurAli) June 28, 2024
Say what you want about the Iranian presidential election but you have to have a Masters or a PhD to be a candidate and cannot be over the age of 75.
— keyvan (@still_oppressed) June 28, 2024
President Biden needs a hailmary. Maybe he could come out of the closet. Could work
— Adam Friedland (@AdamFriedland) June 28, 2024
“Joe Biden showed without any doubt last night that he is clearly impaired. He is in no way up to the job of defeating Donald Trump." –@normansolomon pic.twitter.com/yZBOmHL1Cr
— Democracy Now! (@democracynow) June 28, 2024
Joe Biden and Donald Trump are only three and a half years apart in age. It's not that one of them is significantly older than the other. What I am saying is, there would be no problematic age gap were they to fall in love.
— Sriram Ranganathan (@RadishHarmers) June 28, 2024
Biden has looked like this the entire debate #Debates2024 pic.twitter.com/nBnk1e77iw
— trent (@trentchristnsen) June 28, 2024