Biden’s campaign against Trump was derailed by his debate one year ago

A year ago today, President Joe Biden faced off against then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in a debate that would ultimately change the course of the 2024 election. Biden, already under scrutiny for his mental acuity, struggled during the debate, leading to widespread criticism and calls for his replacement as the Democratic frontrunner.

Leading up to the debate, Biden faced accusations that he was not mentally fit to serve as president, with special counsel Robert Hur’s report in February 2024 highlighting his poor memory and elderly status. Despite these concerns, Biden prepared diligently for the debate at Camp David, as videos of his recent gaffes circulated online. Trump even went as far as to demand that Biden take a drug test to prove he was not using performance-enhancing supplements.

In response to these accusations, Biden posted a picture on X mocking Trump’s challenge, drinking a can of water and joking about being “jacked up.” However, his performance during the debate fell short, with many noting his struggles to articulate his thoughts and losing his train of thought at times. Trump capitalized on these moments, criticizing Biden’s age and mental sharpness.

The debate sparked panic among Democratic allies and members of the media, with many expressing disappointment and concerns over Biden’s ability to lead. Calls for Biden to step down and allow a new generation of Democrats to take over began to circulate, with reports suggesting that former President Barack Obama was working behind the scenes to encourage Biden to drop out of the race.

Ultimately, Biden announced his withdrawal from the race on July 21, 2024, less than a month after the fateful debate. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, leaving her with just over 100 days to launch her own presidential campaign against Trump.

The fallout from the debate highlighted the importance of mental acuity and leadership in presidential candidates, as well as the impact of high-stakes debates on the political landscape. It served as a turning point in the 2024 election, reshaping the Democratic field and paving the way for a new era of leadership to emerge.