In the first presidential debate of the year between the leading Democratic and Republican candidates, President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump clashed on inflation, taxes, Ukraine and the future of democracy.
A halting performance from Mr. Biden and a relatively steady and measured delivery by Mr. Trump left Democrats deeply concerned about Mr. Biden’s prospects.
On cable news and social media, strategists from both parties wondered if Mr. Biden could continue in the race against Mr. Trump.
“It was a really disappointing debate performance from Joe Biden.
His biggest issue was to prove to the American people that he had the energy, the stamina — and he didn’t do that,” Kate Bedingfield, Mr. Biden’s former White House communications director, said on CNN.
Persons:
Biden, Donald J, Trump, Mr, Joe Biden, ” Kate Bedingfield, Biden’s
Organizations:
Democratic, Republican, Mr, White House, CNN
Locations:
Ukraine