RALEIGH, North Carolina — President Joe Biden sought to reassure supporters and quell concerns about his candidacy following a difficult debate performance. At a campaign rally on Friday, Biden addressed the crowd, acknowledging his age but emphasizing his integrity and capability.
Biden Addresses His Age
“I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious,” Biden said to an enthusiastic crowd. “I don’t walk as easy as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to. But I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. And I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. And I know like millions of Americans know, when you get knocked down, you get back up.”
Rally Reactions
Despite Biden’s efforts, the rally may not be enough to quiet the widespread panic within the Democratic Party regarding his debate performance. During the 90-minute debate, Biden’s raspy voice, trailing answers, and deflated stage presence raised concerns about his ability to compete against Trump. His comments at the rally indicated his campaign’s initial steps toward damage control.
Biden’s Energized Rally Performance
Biden appeared more energized at the rally, speaking before 2,000 supporters. As the crowd cheered, waving “Let’s Go Joe” signs, Biden delivered prepared remarks, attacking Trump for his criminal convictions, stance on abortion, and reluctance to accept the 2024 election results. He emphasized Trump’s dishonesty, accusing him of setting a record for the most lies told in a debate.
“He set a new record for the most lies told in a debate,” Biden said. “He lied about how he had nothing to do with the insurrection on January 6.”
Support from Allies
Speakers at the rally, including North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and First Lady Jill Biden, focused their attacks on Trump, avoiding direct mention of Biden’s debate performance. Cooper criticized Trump, while Jill Biden praised her husband for his integrity and character. Eric Fitts, a North Carolina father whose family had a viral TikTok moment with Biden, expressed pride in the president’s debate performance.
Addressing Voter Concerns
Polls consistently show that voters, including Biden’s supporters, worry about his age. The campaign hoped the debate would demonstrate Biden’s readiness for a second term, but his performance heightened concerns. In the past, Biden has addressed age-related unease by highlighting his experience and using humor, often joking about his long career and historical connections.
Campaign Strategy Moving Forward
Biden aides maintain that he remains sharp behind closed doors but have been cautious about his public appearances. Following the debate, intense panic within the party has raised questions about how Biden will address age-related concerns in the coming months.
Rally Conclusion
Biden concluded the rally with Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” playing over the loudspeakers. He waved to the crowd and briefly jogged off the stage, signaling his determination to continue his campaign.
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