TEARY PLEA
CNN’s Van Jones in tears after Biden’s ‘painful’ debate performance & urges president to look at ‘different course’
Viewers slammed Biden's weak start in the debate
CNN host Van Jones was left in tears after Joe Biden's less-than-stellar debate performance, calling for the President to take a different course.
Biden stumbled over his words during the 90-minute debate in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday - at one point looking down at the podium for several seconds.
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Following the debate, CNN immediately analyzed the president's performance, however, many noted Jones' reaction.
"I love that guy, that's a good man," Jones said of Biden.
"He loves his country. He's doing the best he can but he had a test to meet tonight to restore confidence of the country and of the base and he failed to do that."
Democrats were left in despair over Biden's performance as concern continued to swirl about whether he should remain the party's nominee.
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Jones, a special adviser to former President Barack Obama, said Biden should "consider a different course now."
"There is time for this party to think of a different way forward if he would allow us to do that.
"But that is not what we needed from Joe Biden and it's personally painful for a lot of people."
Biden's health has been a major topic throughout his presidency with voters wondering if the 81-year-old can manage another four years in office.
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If Biden were to be re-elected, he would be 86 years old at the end of his second term.
When asked about his age, Biden slammed Trump for being "a lot less competent" despite being three years younger than the President.
'Is he okay' viewers wonder as President Joe Biden takes the stage with a 'hoarse' voice to begin debate with Trump
"Look at the record, look at what I've done. Look at how I've turned around the horrible situation he left me," said Biden.
Trump, 78, bragged about his performance on cognitive tests - one which he took during his presidency in 2018.
"I took two cognitive tests. I aced them, both of them," he said, adding that Biden hasn't taken any.
"I'd like to see him take one. Just one, a real easy one.
"Like go through the first five questions, he couldn't do it."
Trump added that he took physical exams every year, saying that he was in "very good health."
He had a test to meet tonight to restore confidence of the country and of the base and he failed to do that
Van Jones
"I think I'm in very good shape. I feel that I'm in as good of shape as I was 25, 30 years ago."
NEWS RULES
Biden and Trump previously met on the debate stage in September 2020 with 73 million people tuning into what was a chaotic debate.
This year, however, hosts have promised to not let it happen again.
CNN made the decision to mute each candidate's mic when it was not their turn to speak and the studio audience was also removed.
Neither man was allowed to bring props or notes onstage and wasn't permitted to speak to their staff during the two scheduled breaks.
The decision led to some viewers calling the debate "dry" and deeming it "the worst debate" they've ever seen.
What are Trump and Biden's platforms?
A look at what issues matter most to the candidates.
Biden's talking points:
- The importance of democracy after the January 6 attack on the Capitol
- Advocate for abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade with a 6-3 judgment in 2022
- His Build Back Better plan, the $2.2 trillion infrastructure spending bill introduced in 2021
- Support for Ukraine and Israel while they are at war
- Highlight the strong US economy and low unemployment rates during his presidency
Trump's talking points:
- Slam issues at the US-Mexico border, which was a critical talking point for his 2016 win
- Criticize the slew of criminal and civil lawsuits filed against him
- Applaud the Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Discuss a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, although he hasn't said which country he wants to win
- Advocate for parents' rights to regulate and restrict discussion of gender, sexuality, and race in schools
JOE-MATOSE
Biden's low-energy performance was slammed with voters wondering if he was the right pick for the White House.
Vice President Kamala Harris came to his dance during a post-interview debate on CNN.
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"There was a slow start but there was a strong finish," she said.
"People can debate on style points but ultimately this election... has to be about substance and the contrast is clear," she added.
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