Can Joe Biden Defend America’s Interests if He Can’t Defend Himself in a Debate?

The role of the President of the United States is to stand as the stalwart defender of America’s national interests. But how can this be achieved when the president himself struggles to hold his ground in a debate? President Joe Biden’s performance in last week’s presidential debate was, to put it mildly, a train wreck. Despite a slew of explanations from his camp—ranging from “not feeling great” and jet lag to “too much preparation”—none have alleviated the growing concerns among Democrats about a potential Trump resurgence in the White House.

Biden’s inability to effectively communicate during the debate has cast a shadow over his competence and readiness, raising questions that his administration seems ill-prepared to answer. His aides insist that these are explanations, not excuses, but to the anxious Democratic base, they feel more like the latter. The excuses have done little to soothe fears that Biden might not be the formidable candidate needed to stave off a determined Donald Trump.

In the realm of international politics and national security, there is little room for stumbling and uncertainty. The President must be able to project strength, clarity, and decisiveness. Biden’s recent debate performance did none of these things. Instead, it showcased a leader who appeared unsteady and unconvincing, at a time when the nation—and indeed, the world—needs to see resolve and confidence from the Oval Office.

This issue transcends mere political optics. It strikes at the heart of what it means to lead the United States. If Biden cannot convincingly articulate his vision and defend his policies in a controlled debate setting, how can he be expected to handle the high-pressure negotiations and crises that are inevitable in the presidency? This is not about partisan bickering; it’s about the fundamental ability to lead.

The Democratic Party finds itself in a precarious position. While many may rally behind Biden out of loyalty or a lack of better alternatives, the unease is palpable. The specter of Donald Trump, with his robust debate performances and relentless campaign tactics, looms large. Democrats are right to be worried. A president who cannot debate effectively is a president who may struggle to govern effectively, particularly against an opponent as formidable and tenacious as Trump.

In the coming months, Biden needs to do more than just offer explanations for his debate performance. He must demonstrate unequivocally that he has the vigor, the acuity, and the resolve to lead the nation. This means not only recovering from his debate misstep but also proving that he can stand toe-to-toe with any challenger and emerge victorious. The stakes are too high for anything less.

For now, Biden’s lackluster debate showing has left many Democrats jittery and uncertain. As the campaign trail heats up, he must work tirelessly to restore confidence in his ability to defend not just his policies, but the very interests of the nation he seeks to continue leading. The clock is ticking, and the future of America’s leadership hangs in the balance.