4.94°C Vancouver
connect fm logo

Jun 28, 2024 4:04 PM - The Canadian Press

Biden's performance leaves supporters worried after first presidential debate

Share On
bidens-performance-leaves-supporters-worried-after-first-presidential-debate
At a watch party in South Philadelphia, Danina Moore was a bit uneasy after the debate but the Democrat says she’s hopeful people will see that it’s important to support Biden.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

The first debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump may not have brought the surge of excitement among voters that both leaders were looking for ahead of the November election.

The matchup saw the current president and his political rival exchange personal barbs as well as criticism over their legacies in the Oval Office.

But some Democratic supporters showed concern over portions of 81-year-old Biden’s uneven performance, which included a raspy voice and rambling responses.

At a watch party in South Philadelphia, Danina Moore was a bit uneasy after the debate but the Democrat says she’s hopeful people will see that it’s important to support Biden.

At the same watch party, Republican George Williams says he thought Trump walked away the more competent and coherent debater.

While Philadelphia is generally a Democratic stronghold, Pennsylvania has turned into a battleground state that could be important to win the presidency.

Trump took it in 2016 before it swung back to Biden in 2020.

Both leaders’ legacies were front and centre throughout the debate. Trump criticized Biden’s withdrawal of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Biden said when Trump left office, “things were in chaos.”

Experts have said that many Americans aren’t engaging with either the Democratic or Republican campaigns. A lot of would-be voters aren’t supportive of either candidate.

When asked about age during the debate, Biden pointed out that Trump is 78.

“This guy’s three years younger and a lot less competent,” Biden said.

Trump, in response to a question about his age, pointed to the two cognitive tests he took, saying he “aced them” and called for Biden to take one.

Trump appeared energetic but not always accurate with his responses while Biden's jarring speech and missteps seemed more pronounced.

There were gasps from Democratic supporters during the Thursday evening watch party when Biden lost his train of thought while trying to make a point about tax rates and the number of billionaires in America near the beginning of the debate.

Williams said nothing that was said would sway his opinion. He’s basing his decision on Trump’s first term as president.

Latest news

See All
elections-alberta-approves-citizen-recall-petition-for-justice-minister-mickey-amery
AlbertaDec 17, 2025

Elections Alberta approves citizen recall petition for Justice Minister Mickey Amery

Elections Alberta has authorized a citizen-initiated recall petition targeting Justice Minister Mickey Amery in the Calgary-Cross riding. The move allows constituents to formally petition for his removal from office. The petition claims Amery has been unresponsive to local concerns and supports policies viewed by some constituents as harmful. Amery, a member of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party (UCP) caucus, said he remains focused on serving the people of his riding. Amery emphasized that recall legislation is intended for cases of serious ethical violations rather than dis
police-investigate-two-attempted-abductions-in-mission-within-24-hours
BCDec 17, 2025

Police investigate two attempted abductions in Mission within 24 hours

Mission RCMP are asking the public for help after two alleged abduction attempts occurred in the community within a single day. The first incident happened overnight between Sunday and Monday on Logan Avenue. Police say a woman walking in the area was approached by a white SUV driven by a South Asian man. According to investigators, the man allegedly asked the woman for sex and attempted to pull her into the vehicle. The woman escaped, but may have been exposed to bear spray during the encounter. Later the same day, at approximately 6:30 p.m., another woman reported being approached on 3rd Ave
BCDec 17, 2025

RCMP investigate two targeted overnight shootings in North Cowichan and Duncan

RCMP in the Cowichan Valley are investigating two separate overnight shootings that police believe were targeted, involving a residence in North Cowichan and vehicles in Duncan. Officers were first called to the 5800 block of Jaynes Road in North Cowichan at around 4:45 a.m. on December 15 after reports of multiple gunshots. While initial patrols did not immediately locate the source, further searches by the Investigation Support Team, Street Crimes Unit, and a Police Service Dog led to evidence showing a nearby home had been struck by gunfire. No injuries were reported. A second incident was
canadas-population-dips-slightly-as-record-drop-in-non-permanent-residents-reported
CanadaDec 17, 2025

Canada’s population dips slightly as record drop in non-permanent residents reported

Canada’s population declined modestly in the third quarter of the year, driven by a sharp reduction in the number of non-permanent residents, according to new data released by Statistics Canada. Preliminary estimates show the population fell by about 76,000 people between July 1 and Oct. 1, bringing the national total to roughly 41.6 million. This marked a reversal from the same quarter last year, when the population grew by more than 230,000. Statistics Canada said the decrease was largely due to a record decline in non-permanent residents, including temporary workers, international student
AlbertaDec 17, 2025

AIMCo board names Ray Gilmour as permanent chief executive

The board of directors of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation has confirmed Ray Gilmour as the organization’s new chief executive officer, formalizing a role he has held on an interim basis for the past year. AIMCo oversees more than $179 billion in assets, managing pension and investment funds on behalf of public sector workers and government entities across Alberta. Its portfolio includes retirement savings for teachers, health care workers and other public employees, making its leadership decisions significant for thousands of Albertans. Gilmour stepped into the interim CEO role

Related News

Canada’s population dips slightly as record drop in non-permanent residents reported

Canada’s population dips slightly as record drop in non-permanent residents reported

Canada’s population declined modestly in the third quarter of the year, driven by a sharp reduction in the number of non-permanent residents, according to new data released by Statistics Canada. Preliminary estimates show the population fell by about 76,000 people between July 1 and Oct. 1, bringing the national total to roughly 41.6 million. This marked a reversal from the same quarter last year, when the population grew by more than 230,000. Statistics Canada said the decrease was largely due to a record decline in non-permanent residents, including temporary workers, international student
Quebec Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez steps down as party faces investigation

Quebec Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez steps down as party faces investigation

Quebec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez is resigning amid growing turmoil linked to the party’s recent leadership contest, according to sources familiar with the decision. Two senior party sources confirmed to The Canadian Press that Rodriguez will step aside, though he has not yet made a public statement. His departure comes as the Quebec Liberals confront a criminal investigation by the province’s anti-corruption police, the Unité permanente anticorruption, following allegations connected to the June leadership race. Rodriguez’s campaign has been placed under scrutiny amid claims
Five-month Nanaimo RCMP probe leads to drug trafficking and firearm charges

Five-month Nanaimo RCMP probe leads to drug trafficking and firearm charges

A five-month investigation by Nanaimo RCMP has resulted in multiple drug and firearm-related charges against two Nanaimo residents, following the seizure of controlled substances, weapons and body armour from a local residence. Police say the investigation began in early November 2024 after general duty officers received information that a home in Nanaimo was being used to traffic illegal drugs. With assistance from the RCMP General Investigation Section and the Projects Drug Unit, officers executed a search warrant at the residence on April 17, 2025. During the search, investigators seized qu
connect fm logo

Legals

Privacy policy
Journalism code of ethics
© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.
MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

About
Advertisers
Careers
Contact
Feedback
Accessibility Plan
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link