A Fox News Digital focus group and Democratic strategists express concerns about President Biden's performance in the first presidential debate against former President Trump.
President Biden's performance in the first presidential debate against former President Trump has raised concerns from both allies and opponents, prompting questions about his ability to lead the Democratic Party to victory in 2024.
A Fox News Digital focus group of Republican, Independent, and Democratic voters led by Maslansky and Partners President Lee Carter reacted to what they had seen after the debate concluded. The focus group expressed concerns about Biden's energy level, focus, and ability to articulate his policy positions.
Biden's Debate Performance Raises Concerns from Allies and Opponents
"I thought Biden was very weak and frail," said one Democratic voter. "He didn't seem to have the energy to keep up with Trump."
"He was rambling and incoherent at times," added an Independent voter. "I don't know how he expects to win the election if he can't even handle a debate."
Biden's Debate Performance Raises Concerns from Allies and Opponents
Traditional allies of Biden also expressed concern about his performance. Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki and White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield were among those who raised concerns about the future of Biden's re-election campaign.
Sources told Fox News that some Democrats were even suggesting the possibility of replacing Biden as the nominee at the Democratic nominating convention in August.
Biden's Debate Performance Raises Concerns from Allies and Opponents
During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Trump said he believes that Biden will remain the Democratic nominee.
"Yes, I think he will be the nominee," Trump said.
Biden's Debate Performance Raises Concerns from Allies and Opponents
When pressed further on concerns from Democrats over Biden's performance, Trump said he does not think Biden will be removed.
"No, I don’t think so," Trump said. "They wouldn’t have done any better. No one else would have been better."
A flash poll conducted by CNN following the debate showed Trump soundly defeating Biden. The poll showed that 67% of debate watchers felt that Trump had won the debate, compared to 33% who believed that Biden had won.
Biden, though, told reporters after the debate that he felt he had performed well against Trump.
"I think we did well," Biden told reporters at an Atlanta area Waffle House.
Officials revealed during the debate that the president had a cold.
Despite assurances from Biden that he performed well, many observers remain concerned about his ability to withstand the rigors of a presidential campaign and the demands of the office. The debate performance has raised questions about Biden's physical and mental fitness to serve as president.
