The Atlantic

A Disaster for Joe Biden

Watching the president at the first debate was at times almost physically uncomfortable.
Source: Gerald Herbert / AP

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What a disaster for Joe Biden.

In tonight’s first debate of the presidential campaign, the president appeared meandering, confused, and extremely frail. Biden’s performance was at times almost physically uncomfortable to watch and will greatly amplify the calls for him to step aside.

The question for many people before the debate was whether Biden would stumble. They didn’t have to wait long for an answer. He looked and sounded shaky from the moment he stepped somewhat creakily onstage in Atlanta. His voice came out in a faint whisper. And a few

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