Former President Barack Obama is defending Joe Biden amid the ongoing criticism surrounding Thursday’s presidential debate. Echoing the sentiments of many Americans, Obama agreed that Biden didn’t have his best performance against Donald Trump.
“Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself,” Obama tweeted. “Between someone who tells the truth; who knows right from wrong and will give it to the American people straight — and someone who lies through his teeth for his own benefit. Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November.”
Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself. Between someone who tells the truth; who knows right from wrong and will give it to the…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 28, 2024
According to Politico, Obama referenced his 2012 debate against Mitt Romney. Biden also commented on his own performance on Friday, saying he faces struggles at his age, but what matters most is that he tells the truth to voters.
“I know I’m not a young man. I don’t walk as easily as I used to. I don’t talk 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,” Biden said. “I know right from wrong. And I know how to do this job, I know how to get things done. And I know what millions of Americans know: When you get knocked down, you get back up.”
President Biden: Let me close with this. I know I'm not a young man. I don't walk as easily as I used to. I don't talk as smoothly as I used to. I don't debate as well as I used to. Well, I know what I do know. I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. I know how to… pic.twitter.com/spo4F1VCUu
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) June 28, 2024
Thursday’s debate between Trump and Biden produced plenty of head-scratching moments from both candidates. At one point, the two candidates engaged in a debate about their golf skills.
both the oldest and whitest moment of the debate pic.twitter.com/c4UsLH2NDC
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 28, 2024
The debate took another bizarre turn when Trump used Palestine as a derogatory term while trying to insult Biden.
“He’s become like a Palestinian. They don’t like him because he’s a very bad Palestinian. He’s a weak one,” he said.
Trump to Biden: "He's become like a Palestinian. They don't like him because he's a very bad Palestinian. He's a weak one." pic.twitter.com/HkSsw6vzPZ
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 28, 2024
Biden spoke at a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina on Friday, saying he is still moving forward with confidence despite Thursday’s debate.
“I know right from wrong. 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,” Biden told the crow, according to USA Today.
Biden received a standing ovation at the rally, which included performances from Fat Joe and E-40.
“I’m here in North Carolina for one reason: because I intend to win this state in November,” Biden said. “If we win here, we win the election.”
