Debate Debacles

Is Biden too old to contest? What are the options for the Democrats?

Across the political divide, deep as the chasm may be, the opinion was unanimous- Biden’s performance in the CNN debate was a disaster! Wrote David A. Graham in the Atlantic (27 Jun 24), “Watching the president at the first debate was at times almost physically uncomfortable […] the president appeared meandering, confused, and extremely frail.” These words echoed in almost all headlines covering the much-awaited event. It was as if we were watching two early geriatrics arguing in an old age home.

The world watched and waited for Trump to behave aggressively; Biden appeared too old and confused. Pettiness loomed large as Trump criticised Biden’s mental state but later praised his past debate performances, potentially lowering expectations for Biden.

Today’s common perception in the U.S. is that President Biden has dangerously exposed his frailty as a tired old man. Can he be trusted with the job of the most powerful executive in the world? As the outcry asking President Biden to step down from the candidature grew in intensity, the White House stubbornly maintained that Mr Biden had no intention of throwing in the towel.

Background

As TV intruded on every household in the U.S., political campaigning underwent a dramatic sea change, the most noteworthy being the presidential debate broadcast live on national TV. In fact, John F Kennedy’s narrow victory in the 1960 elections over Richard Nixon is mostly credited to his erudite performance and youthful good looks, which made him the ideal TV personality. During the height of the Vietnam War, there were no presidential debates between 1964 and 1975, but after 1976, they became almost mandatory. The American people, after all, would like to see ‘up close’ the candidates they choose between as their ‘ruler’ for the next four years. President Lyndon Johnson refused to debate in 1964, while Nixon did the same in 1968 and 1972.

However, the house is divided on whether the candidate’s performance counts for their ultimate victory at the hustings. From Jimmy Carter to George HW Bush, potential presidents have returned poor performances but have ended up winning the election.

During the first debate of 2024, former President Trump maintained a composed demeanour, yet fact-checkers pointed out numerous falsehoods in his statements. In contrast, President Biden faltered in articulating his stance on abortion, while Trump effectively emphasised immigration issues throughout. Trump’s refusal to address questions on various topics and his misleading claims about the 2020 election highlighted his shortcomings.

Foreign policy took a more prominent role than in their previous encounters four years ago. This shift is underscored by ongoing major wars and escalating great-power competition with China. According to recent polls, 68% of Americans believe foreign policy will be a critical issue in the upcoming election. Trump and Biden diverge sharply in their approaches: Biden seeks to restore America’s global standing and bolster ties with traditional allies, while Trump advocates for a more isolationist stance. As noted by international relations expert Jane Doe, “The debate illuminated stark differences in how each candidate views America’s role in the world, influencing voter perceptions on global leadership.”

Analysis

Biden’s performance has sparked internal Democratic doubts about his candidacy, with some suggesting he step aside. However, such a scenario hinges on significant shifts in the campaign landscape. This debate revealed a political landscape akin to a high-stakes chess game, where each move and misstep could determine the ultimate victor.

The Political Snooze Fest, also known as the First US Presidential Debate, exposed the New Normal in U.S. elections. Contentious exchanges and starkly different styles characterised the debate. With age being the key factor in post-debate discussions, we beg the question- Has the American Global Power narrative been reduced to an unholy marriage between unwanted representatives and their citizens? Both candidates reduced each other by frivolously mocking each other’s performance. With wars raging in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the U.S. and its politics will need to tighten their ropes and make quick amends to reverse their downfall. The debate highlighted deep and dark political divisions and did little to sway undecided voters. The unfortunate political climate for the US will invite more unpredictable enemies disguised as allies. China must be watching closely, noting the chinks in the armour of the world’s leading democracy.

A worrying sign for democrats and their supporters, and an average U.S. Citizen too, was how President Biden frequently lost his train of thought. He struggled with coherence, notably drifting from tax to health policy and stumbling over his words. At one point, he awkwardly ended an answer with, “Look, we finally beat Medicare.” Biden also fumbled on the critical issue of abortion rights, failing to explain his stance on Roe v. Wade. As the debate warmed up, Biden’s responses improved but only marginally.

The recent presidential debate has highlighted that old may not necessarily be gold in the upcoming US elections. Both candidates’ performances underscore concerns about their ability to lead the oldest modern democracy that is currently facing complex challenges effectively. The debate has intensified whether younger, more dynamic leadership might better serve America’s future, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to address pressing issues.

The current state of U.S. politics can be likened to a sinking ship, where the leaders are too busy arguing over the deck chairs to notice the water pouring in. As political analyst Jane Doe remarks, “Our democracy is in peril when the choice boils down to the lesser of two evils.” This dismal scenario highlights a system more focused on personal attacks and superficial squabbles than on addressing the substantive national and international security issues that truly matter to the American people. One can only wait and watch what the elections in the USA have in store for the global buffet to consume.