During the first presidential debate of the 2024 election, viewers across the US were left feeling distressed and concerned about the performance of both candidates. Donald Trump’s lying and misleading statements caused frustration among Americans, while Joe Biden’s convoluted responses sparked panic among Democrats. Photographers captured a range of reactions from shock and disappointment to frustration and alarm, as viewers watched the spectacle unfold.
Karen Sellinger, who attended a debate watch party at Broadway Bowl in South Portland, Maine, expressed exasperation as Trump spoke. Meanwhile, Rosemarie DeAngelus commented to the Associated Press that Biden lacked the spark needed to win over voters that night. Despite his disappointing performance, many are wondering about the future of his campaign.
The debate was seen as Biden’s opportunity to prove his strength and address concerns about his age and fitness. However, his poor showing has led to renewed speculation about potential replacements if he were to drop out of the race. While previous examples such as Barack Obama’s dismal first debate in 2012 suggest that a poor debate performance does not necessarily mean the end of a presidential campaign, it certainly doesn’t help. As voters continue to weigh their options ahead of Election Day 2024, they will be watching closely for any developments in this important race.