In the wake of President Joe Biden’s rocky performance at the first 2024 presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, former President Barack Obama offered his perspective, reassuring supporters that a subpar debate night isn’t the end of the road.
“Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know,” Obama, 62, wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday afternoon. “But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself.”
Obama’s message came after Biden’s shaky showing at the June 2024 CNN presidential debate, where the 81-year-old incumbent struggled at times to maintain his focus and clarity. Critics from both sides of the political spectrum, especially within the Democratic Party, expressed concerns that Biden’s performance could damage the party’s chances of retaining the White House in the upcoming election. Biden’s stumbles during the 90-minute debate, which covered topics ranging from Roe v. Wade and the Gaza conflict to golf and criminal convictions, led to widespread disappointment among some voters.
But Obama, who faced a similarly difficult debate performance in 2012 against Mitt Romney, emphasized that one rough debate does not define the race. In that 2012 debate, Obama was widely seen as lacking enthusiasm and focus, with many commentators declaring Romney the winner. However, Obama rebounded in subsequent debates and won a second term in November that year.
“I’ve been there,” Obama reminded his followers. “I struggled in my first debate, but I came back. This is still about what’s at stake for the country and the values that matter.”
Despite the critiques, Obama made it clear that his support for Biden remains unwavering. “This election is still a choice between someone who has spent his life fighting for the people and someone who only cares about himself,” Obama said, directing his criticism at Trump, whom he called a liar.
Vice President Kamala Harris, echoing Obama’s sentiments, also stood by Biden’s performance. Appearing on various late-night news shows, she emphasized that the substance of the election is what truly matters. “Yes, there was a slow start but a strong finish,” Harris, 59, said in a CNN interview. “Ultimately, this election and who becomes president isn’t about style points—it’s about substance, and the contrast is clear.”
As both the Biden and Trump campaigns brace for a long road ahead, it’s clear that the presidential race will ultimately hinge on far more than a single debate night.
