Fiery Biden-Trump Debate Raises Concerns Over Biden's Age and Performance

In a highly charged and historic debate, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off on Thursday, exchanging personal insults and fierce accusations. The event, notable for being the first-ever debate between a sitting president and a former president, amplified concerns about Biden's age and ability to serve a second term.

Trump, with his characteristic bombast, attacked Biden's record on the economy and international affairs, branding him a failure. Biden, aiming to counter these attacks, delivered his responses in a halting, raspy voice, often stumbling over his words. His performance, despite a week of seclusion in preparation, left many Democrats uneasy as polls show Trump gaining traction for the November election.

Held at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, the debate featured no live audience and muted microphones to prevent interruptions. The candidates did not shake hands as they approached their podiums. Biden aimed to remind viewers of Trump's legal troubles, stating, "You have the morals of an alley cat." Trump, drawing on his rally experience, loudly enumerated his grievances against Biden, claiming, "We're no longer respected."

Trump mocked Biden's delivery, saying, "I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don't think he knows what he said either."

After the debate, Biden told reporters at a Waffle House that he had a sore throat but felt he did well. The White House quickly moved into damage control, with Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledging Biden's slow start but praising his strong finish. Former Biden communications director Kate Bedingfield called the evening "really disappointing" for the president.

A CNN poll found that 67 percent of viewers thought Trump had won. With Democrats set to formally nominate Biden in August, concerns are growing about his capacity to lead. Historian Julian Zelizer noted that Biden's supporters would be "extremely concerned," as the debate reinforced doubts about his age and coherence.

The debate focused on personal attacks rather than new policies. Biden emotionally responded to reports that Trump had disparaged fallen soldiers, referencing his late son Beau's service in Iraq. Trump denied these remarks and accused Biden of incoherence.

On foreign policy, Trump criticized Biden's support for Israel and blamed the withdrawal from Afghanistan for emboldening Russia to invade Ukraine. Biden highlighted that he is the first recent president not to have soldiers at risk overseas.

Key issues like abortion and immigration also featured prominently. Biden condemned Trump's appointment of Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe vs. Wade, calling it a "terrible thing." Meanwhile, anti-establishment activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who did not meet CNN's debate threshold, hosted a separate livestream to take questions.

The debate underscored the intense political climate and left many voters questioning the future leadership of the United States.