'We are f***ed': Democrats in full-blown panic over Joe Biden's debate performance

Already fighting voter concerns about his age, Biden, 81, was halting and seemed to lose his train of thought, sparking quick concerns among Democrats.

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• The debate was the first ever between a sitting president and a former president.
• The unprecedented televised debate on CNN, spanning 90 minutes, took place much earlier than any modern presidential debate, occurring more than four months before the November 5th Election Day.
• In a departure from the norm, the two candidates appeared without a live audience, and their microphones were automatically muted when it was not their turn to speak. These unconventional rules were implemented to prevent the chaos that marred their first debate in 2020, during which "Trump interrupted Biden repeatedly."
• The two men, who have made no secret of their mutual animosity, neither shook hands nor acknowledged each other before or after the debate.
• However, there were numerous instances throughout the debate that highlighted their hostility towards one another. Each candidate labeled the other as the worst president in history, with "Biden referred to Trump as a 'loser' and a 'whiner,' while Trump called Biden a 'disaster.'"
• At one point, the rivals even engaged in a petty argument about their golfing abilities, with Trump boasting about his superior driving distance and Biden retorting that Trump would have difficulty carrying his own golf bag.
• Biden, 81, struggled with a hoarse voice and hesitant delivery, while Trump, 78, was forceful and aggressive.
• Biden attacked Trump on his legal troubles, calling him a "felon" and criticizing his moral character.
• Trump countered with accusations of Biden’s failure on the economy and international stage, and his alleged incoherence.
• Key issues discussed included the economy, immigration, abortion, and U.S. foreign policy.

• John King of CNN reported a "deep, wide, and very aggressive panic" within the Democratic Party, involving strategists, officials, and fundraisers.
• Vice President Kamala Harris attempted to reassure Democrats, conceding that Biden had a "slow start" but emphasizing his strong finish and overall performance over the past three years.
• As per a CNN report, the Democratic Party found itself in a state of disarray mere minutes after the debate concluded, as the realization of the dire situation set in.
• One former Biden administration official remarked, "Biden looks and sounds terrible. He's incoherent," while another Democratic operative bluntly described the performance as "Horrific."
• A seasoned Democrat who has worked on campaigns at various levels succinctly summed up the sentiment: "We are f***ed."
• As the debate drew to a close, a pressing question emerged: Should the Democratic ticket be led by someone else?
• As per the CNN report, a veteran operative with over a decade of experience working on campaigns at all levels expressed doubt about Biden's suitability as the nominee, stating, "It's hard to argue that Biden should be our nominee."

• Trump was forceful and aggressive, leveraging his experience in rallies and television to dominate the stage.
• He made repeated false claims and attacked Biden on various fronts, including his handling of the economy and international relations.
• Trump’s performance was seen as smoother and more vigorous compared to Biden's.

• Biden faced the challenge of proving his vigor amidst ongoing Republican claims that his age has diminished his abilities.
• Although national polls indicate a close race, Biden lags behind Trump in most battleground states crucial for winning the presidency. This month, Biden lost his financial advantage over Trump, whose fundraising saw a boost after his conviction for attempting to cover up hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
• Both Biden and Trump are unpopular, with many Americans expressing ambivalence about their choices. According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, about a fifth of voters are undecided, leaning toward third-party candidates, or considering not voting.
• The second and final debate of this campaign is set for September.