Panic after the night's debate: "Completely driven"

USA
Data: Democrats doubt Biden

Matthias Kjellman

Updated 09.47 | Published 05.50

Biden's performance during the night's debate against Trump is described by several as "shaky".

Panic is now spreading among the Democrats after Trump was crowned the winner of the debate.

- We are completely screwed, says a Democrat.

The first debate in 2024 between Joe Biden and Trump is now over.

The Democrats hoped that Biden would strengthen his cards - but instead he had a tough night. On several occasions he got off his feet and the New York Times describes his performance as "staggering" and "incoherent".

After the debate, CNN has surveyed who the viewers think came out of the debate victorious. The results show that CNN viewers believe Trump won the debate.

- He seemed a little disoriented. He grew stronger the longer the debate went on. But by that time I think the panic had set in, says CNN political commentator David Axelrod about Biden's effort.

It only took a few minutes into the debate before several Democrats began to express their concerns about Biden's performance.

- He is incoherent, says a Democrat who was in the Biden administration, according to CNN.

- Terrible, says another Democrat.

Democrats who supported Biden are now beginning to doubt whether he is the right man for the job after his performance in the debate, according to the New York Times.

- It is difficult to argue that Biden should be our nominee, says a Democrat who has worked with campaigns at all levels for over a decade, according to CNN.

The presidential candidates in tonight's debate. Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP

Debates whether Biden should step aside

According to reports, members of Biden's own administration have privately begun discussing what it would mean for the party - and whether it is too late to persuade the president to step aside in favor of a younger candidate.

- Biden is about to face a crescendo of calls to step aside. Joe had a deep well of affection among Democrats. It has run dry, says a veteran Democratic strategist who has previously publicly supported Biden.

After the debate, Joe Biden went out to eat waffles and took the opportunity to praise his own performance during the debate. "I think we did well," he told the reporters gathered at the waffle cafe. Photo: Evan Vucci/AP

According to Biden's own sidekick, Vice President Kamala Harris, there was more to be desired from Biden's opening of the debate.

- Yes, it was a slow start, but it was a strong finish, she tells CNN.

However, she emphasized that President Biden was a clear contrast to Donald Trump on the issues that are important to people in the United States.

When asked if she's worried after Biden's performance, she reiterated:

- It was a slow start. It is obvious to everyone.

After the debate, Democrat Gavin Newsom dismissed calls for Biden to be removed from the Democratic nomination.

- I will never turn my back on President Biden. I don't know a Democrat in my party who would do that, he said when asked about several Democrats possibly being open to replacing Biden.