On Thursday night, June 27, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump engaged in a televised debate watched by millions of people worldwide and, when the November 2024 election is over and done with, it may very well be pointed to as the thing that cost Trump the 2024 election.
The debate – the earliest ever in the US presidential election cycle – was asked for by Biden and agreed to by Trump; and, given the way the debate turned out, accepting the challenge may quite possibly be seen later as the worst decision Trump and his election team made in the 2024 election cycle.
Going into the night, Trump had a very slight lead in most polls; however, given the margin of error of polls and the obvious deficiencies of modern political polling, it was fair to say that, heading into the June 27 debate, the race was “neck and neck” and it was anyone’s to win.
Now, after the debate, Trump’s chances of winning the presidency look much, much worse.
On the stage, it was clear to everyone watching, literally from the first few seconds after Biden opened his mouth, that it was going to be a very, very rough night for Biden, and, on the other hand, a toned-down Trump sounded more energetic and confident as well as more reasonable than usual.
If the debate had been close and Trump had merely “won,” that would have been the best-case scenario for the former president.
However, Biden’s performance was so catastrophic that, the second the debate was over, Biden’s major supporters, like many of the commentators on CNN, were immediately engaged in a discussion that Biden cannot possibly win and therefore cannot possibly be the Democratic nominee for the presidency of the United States.
The utterly dismal performance of Biden Thursday night was so undeniably disastrous that even many of the biggest Biden supporters immediately stated openly that the Democrats must start seeking another nominee.
Biden’s performance was so bad, in fact, that, now, the Democrats are almost certainly going to run a new candidate, and it’s no secret that – ever since this supposedly inevitable rematch between Trump and Biden began – this was a battle between two extremely unpopular candidates.
In the 2024 race, if either party had run their best and most universally appealing candidate, polls suggest that that candidate would have slid into the White House with total ease. It wouldn’t have even been close.
After Biden gave his State of the Union Address earlier this year, his performance quelled some of the fears among Democrats that Biden’s age and acuity would prevent him from being a viable candidate for a job that lasts another four and a half years.
Biden’s debate performance Thursday night swept every ounce of that confidence out of the Democratic Party.
So, now the Democratic Party is in a panic and is looking for a new candidate and, after Thursday night, that is a very, very real possibility indeed – even though it was an almost unthinkable option as late as 8:59 p.m. on Thursday.
The Democratic candidate who took part in the presidential debate Thursday night would almost certainly lose to Trump; however, now there’s a chance the tables might turn quickly if Democrats offer up another option. (Hint: It will not be Kamala Harris.)
Which is why, Thursday night, Trump may well have won the debate battle by a mile, but lost the war in a big way.
Yup. That debate has to go down as one of the worst performances in a Presidental debate in history of the US. Can’t see him winning unless he has a major turnround next debate if there is one. Can say Trump won. But boy did Biden sure lose.
This will also mean a win for down ticket candidates like Mark Robinson as Democrats will sit out the election with a loss in interest in Biden.
I would vote for a board of wood with a face painted on it before I would vote for Trump though. Just hope Trump scare enough democrats to turn out and enough Republicans see it as a slam dunk and don’t turn out. But I doubt it.
Mark Robinson needs to find a new subject to campaign on. Abortion is all I see his ads talk about. Sorry, that’s not going to get you votes to win. Most people that are against abortion aren’t obsessed with it. They don’t get out to vote for it. Those in favor of abortion do however. He’s making sure democratic voters will head to the polls
I have yet to see a Mark Robinson ad regarding abortion. I have seen ads from the Mark Stein camp deriding Robinson for past comments about abortion. Frankly, I’m already tired of them.
I believe life begins at conception but I also believe Politicians have no place in the abortion issue. The two people that created that life have every right to council with a Doctor and face God above when forming their decision. State and Federal politicians stay out of it!
I’m looking forward to seeing the reaction from kicking this hornets nest!
Right! Govt should have no say at all, period. Therefore, govt should not pay for an abortion. Or birth control. This will give us many more children; I have no answer for that one.
I hope you are right. Fingers crossed.
I’m pretty sure that Trump doesn’t want to be your Valentine. I don’t know anyone who truly loves everything about him either. But, I will vote for Trump because I want a different course for our country. A country that cares for it’s own citizens and a country that doesn’t use the Justice Department as their own personal vendetta machine. I’m pretty certain if you did note for a board of wood it would have Joe Biden’s face on it.
Trump has threatened to use the justice system against his opponents since his first term. He just hasn’t been able to get anything to stick. Remember…lock her up.
We need polite politics again, not the over-the-top fear mongering based on lies and exaggerations that Trump likes to use. For example, we are NOT a failing nation. Macro-economic figures are best in the world right now. We need to fix the wealth gap and housing price issues but otherwise, low unemployment, growing wages, inflation put into check without a recession, etc…
Anyone who calls the US today a failing nation says so only as a power grab by attempting to scare the ignorant.
This is my exact take on the situation.
Can anyone say 25th amendment?
Did the writer of this post watch the same debate as I did? No way Biden won. You are living in a dream.
I was wondering the same thing. Maybe he was juicing along with Biden!
Gary, did you read the article of just the headline?
They cannot put anyone else up at this point. If Joe leaves, he has to leave on his own, and he has already nixed the idea. Personally I don’t know why anyone would vote again for the administration that is now involved in 2 wars, double digit inflation, 3 trillion in spending, and according to Biden, he was 5 more trillion. Folks we are in debt, and the CBO just said that Biden’s spending will increase the deficit to 51 trillion.
Jerry. Do you live in Moscow, or do you just ascribe to the trump philosophy of saying whatever pops out of your a$$. Surely you read that 16 Noble laureates in Economics, Republican and Democrat, said in part,” Many Americans are concerned about inflation, which has come down remarkably fast. There is rightly a worry that Donald Trump will reignite this inflation, with his fiscally irresponsible budgets.”
But keep repeating the propaganda that Fox News feeds you.
No, no he didn’t.
But I agree with you, Scott. The GOP has been so sure of themselves and winning in Nov. that they haven’t been paying attention to this plan of having the debate before the convention to audition Biden as their candidate. Now that he’s flubbed his trial they will use their convention to have someone stunning to fill in, and it will be someone who wasn’t elected in a primary meaning someone chosen by the Party and not the people. Whether it’s Michelle, Hilliary, or Gavin, Trump’s not running against Biden. So voters will have a choice between a “felon and liar” or someone with a brain. That changes the outcome dramatically.
And that’s not factoring the vote for RFK. There’s lots more to come.
It was not a good headline, so I just read the article.
Sounds like some people want to live in a land of inflationary conditions and continued vote buying. Biden is toast! Even CNN is running for the hills. Kamala is not the answer. Maybe Mr Kennedy can come to the aid of the Democrats!
So Scott – move to Denver and roll some bona-fide. Rolling your socks and smoking “em in your basement is a health hazard. Nice job though stirring the masses.
Well said Scott.
Gary, read the actual article, not just the headline and let me know if you feel the same.
One item that got most or almost most of the attention was how each canidate was going to get the black vote. Both Biden and Trump spent loads of time eplaining what they had done for the blacks. Both Trump and Biden admistrations threw loads of money at this problem. No one of them mentioned that this money has added to inflation and lack of job growth. Cost of living and increase and drug increase. How about the average family who work hard, have a family budget, and try to just make it by without handhouts. To me, this was very disappointing!
Okaaaaay.
(?????)
Alan, please read the article, not just the headline and you may understand better.
Scott,
I have reread the article a couple of times and to some extent do understand why you said what you said, but still disagree with your conclusion. Rick, in his posting, made some very good points, especially his last sentence.
I believe elements of the Democrat Party are going to work VERY hard to replace him, but from my understanding this is going to be nearly impossible based on their system of selection. And even if they do , it’s going to be a chaotic situation in that even though they try to pride themselves on “unity” (aka the rule of the iron fist) I believe time (and personalities) is against them.
The other factor in this that has not been discussed is the Electoral College,,,the entity that is the ACTUAL deciding factor in the election. I would need to do some more research, but I think they can change their vote right up to the time of voting.
To paraphrase an old quote…Now is the time for all good Republicans/Conservatives to come to the aide of their Party.’
. . . or not.
It will not be easy for the Democratic Party to replace Joe Biden because the man is proud and obstinate as well as a bully, his past so indicates. In addition he is married to a woman who is power-hungry obviously and has tried her best to hide her husband‘s condition because she wants herself to have the power and the prestige and the lifestyle associated with the White House. Both of these people are poor examples of human beings and certainly of being leaders. The Democratic Party is stuck with them.
I was saying the same thing. Jill will do anything she can to continue being the First Lady. That is her primary concern. So what if the country gets screwed for another 4 years!!
Please provide one example of Dr J. Biden foaming at the mouth to stay in the W.H.?
The debate was a sorry example of what we have had leading our country. Biden is inept, slow and suffers from CRS. How dare anyone to give him a break on not remembering our fallen military!! That is inexcusable! The worst part of this show was it was available for all our enemies to see. If there had been any doubt of our weakness, the debate dispelled all thoughts in that direction.
You read it here first:
The next POTUS will be Michelle Obama and the next Veep will be Roy Cooper.
I am gagging here
I don’t think so.
SIR! WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT!!!
Are you pushing the final button to start the Second American Revolution?
I’m not sure what news and political coverage you watch, but “extremely unpopular” cannot be applied, with regard to DJT. True, many conservatives feel unfavorably toward Trump, but many, many more see him as the ONLY hope, to save this country, from the uniparty.
The Democratic National Convention will be in Chicago this August. Guess who is from Chicago? Michelle Obama, and she will accept the gavel to be the Democratic Nominee for President. She will be a formidable opponent and should she win, it will be the end of a once fine United States of America. That is, if America is not destroyed before the November election and the January Inauguration! Our country is severely wounded and the outlook is not good!
Jim Donaldson
PS Michelle Obama has plenty of experience as she and Barack have been running and ruining this country the last four years?
Highly doubful. The Obamas are filthy rich now. Eight years in DC was enough for both of them. Michelle doesn’t want anything to do with that nasty business in DC. They can afford all the high living of a president without any of the obligations of having a job. Plus, what the heck would Barrack do with as the First Man? Makes no sense.
If obama isn’t interested in retaining power, as you allude, why does he and Michelle still live about a ten minute drive from the White House? He also has meetings with the demented old pervert more often than just about anyone else in the D.C. cesspool. That doesn’t seem to be someone NOT interested in controlling fedgov.
Obviously, you didn’t watch the same debate America and the world watched. The previouslydebunked nonsense k(LIES) kept flying out of his pie hole so easily. Lies are all Mr. Biden knows. Obviously he is unable to perform the duties of President, just like he’s unable to assist in his defense for the crimes of taking classified documents. I found the debate extremely entertaining watching President Trump wipe the floor with him. Biden is a predator, a pedophile a man who sold our our country to help his family profit and he clearky has dementia. I hope on 1/6/25 this empty shell of a man is evicted from the White House.
From that headline, glad to see your position is now clear Scott. Never doubted for a minute your left wing orientation, but I would have thought after last night’s great reveal that the emperor is indeed naked, that the left’s great “pretending” farce would conclude. But no, you keep that alive with what, the hope that some other boob like Newsome or worse Harris is going to pick up the torch. Good luck and good riddance.
Well, who would be the nominee, Scott?
The haircut in search of a brain from California? (Failed state)
Big Mike Obama? (she doesn’t want a real job)
King Kong Pritzker? (another failed state)
The Lipstick Tyrant from Michigan? (Deep State tool and Florida vacation lover)
The First Gay Transportation Secretary?
Cankles? (yikes… still unlikeable)
Our own guv? (“Who?”, says the rest of the country)
The current VP? (more unlikeable than Cankles)
LOL !
Good one.
Have to admit, for a party with so much power, they don’t have even ONE solid individual to replace Pinocchio Joe!
Joe will not quit. Dr. Jill likes being in the White House. She’ll have to be dragged out.
Well said Scott.
Michelle Obama is the most racist person in the world actually. Not a single white person she likes
Regarding the Presidential Debate – Are you crazy Scott Yost? Trump mopped the floor with Biden! All Biden did was lie and exhibit weakness. Trump showed that he is the man who should be president!
Billy, did you read the article?
I think Scott is on to something here. If the democrats continue to roll with Biden it’s because they either are resigned to the outcome or don’t know how to actually make a switch work. That’s why they wanted such an early debate before the convention to shake things out. Now they can go into a brokered convention and give the super delegates something to do. I don’t think Newsome wants it because if he loses to Trump it taints his brand for 2028. But…..I have the answer…….Fetterman. He’d love to and has made almost a full recovery from the stroke. And there’s a candidate all the dems can get behind and be excited about. And if he loses to Trump no long term damage done to the party. Think about it….you heard it here first loll
Crikey, you don’t sleep much, do you Scott?
What I got from the article is that Biden’s performance was so bad that he may be replaced with a candidate who can beat Trump. Therefore, both politicians lost the debate. However, this talk about Michelle Obama running will not happen. Michelle Obama is LAZY. She likes the lifestyle Barry Obama has managed to provide for her through lies and deception. No way will Michelle Obama will be the candidate.
Biden ain’t going anywhere. He’ll never agree to quit, and the DNC can’t bypass him unless he does. Unless he literally dies, you’re going to take the White House before November out of his cold, dead hands.
If you can’t name the name (or names), then you really don’t have an argument. I’m sure the leftist dems would love to replace Biden… but with who? They have no one who can beat Trump (without cheating again).
And for the comments above that say Biden lost but Trump didn’t win, you’re just being a weasel. There are only 2 choices, win or lose. Biden lost, Trump won (again).
An excellent and timely article. Scott seems to recognize that two candidates that most voters DO NOT WANT is not a successful strategy for either major party. While I doubt the Democrats will replace their faltering failure, it would at least be a strategy that would have a chance for success. It would work best if they chose a moderate centrist (Joe Manchin?) who would have appeal to both independents and to Republican moderates, anti-MAGAs and traditional conservatives. If they did so, the Republicans would be faced with the same problem. They also would need to find a moderate centrist (Nikki Haley?) who might appeal to independents, anti-woke and conservative Democrats. The wacky wings of each party could be taken for granted, and the center would decide the election. Neither candidate would have a record to defend nor a detested opponent to demonize. The campaign would be much shorter, and so, possibly more informative. Most of us are fed up with lies, damned lies and dementia. This could actually be a new beginning for all of us.
Comforting to know how many of your regular right wing commentators don’t bother reading before they blast ahead with their brilliant critiques.
Back in the early 70’s the hated by everyone, Vice President Spiro Agnew was dumped (some made-up thing about tax fraud I think) and replaced by Gerald Ford. Then the swamp saw blue skies ahead and got on with convincing President Nixon to fly off into the sunset.. As long as Biden has Kamala, he is safe. Someone shoulda given Nixon that advice.
Yep.
Though, the knives were out for Nixon in ‘68.
debate loser: voters.
Bingo
No need to watch a debate to know what a brain dead idiot Biden is. The bigger problem is the equally brain dead idiots that will vote for him.
And it’s truly scary to know that 33+% of voters STILL think is a viable candidate even AFTER Athe debate debacle.
I really think they are so lost that they would cheer as space aliens were invading Earth!
this is fun but not useful or informative – like rubber band warfare @ my birthday parties ?
Good one and very appropriate.