Biden in ‘dangerous, dangerous second’ as he freezes and loses practice of thought in debate

Joe Biden experienced a “bad, bad moment” on live TV during the CNN debate on Thursday night when he seemed to lose his train of thought. The US President, who is now 81, at points struggled to clear his throat and make it to the end of a sentence during the first debate of the campaign season.

While addressing a question about the national debt, 81-year-old Biden remarked: “We would be able to wipe out his debt, clear up all those things we need to do in childcare, elder care, making sure we continue to strengthen our healthcare system, making sure we’re able to make every single solitary person eligible for what I’m been able to do with dealing with everything…If we finally beat Medicare..”

Amy Koch, the ex-majority leader of the Minnesota senate, commented to Daily Express US: “The Biden confusion was a bad, bad moment.” Insiders close to Biden’s debate prep revealed that he had been fighting off a cold lately, which might have contributed to his raspy voice and apparent disorientation.

READ MORE: President’s voice problems at US Presidential Debate cause ‘audible gasp’ as he croaks

Following his February health check-up, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, who is the president’s doctor, noted in a statement that Biden occasionally suffers from symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, especially needing to clear his throat more frequently.

During Thursday’s debate, voters were scrutinising 81-year-old Biden with an eagle eye amidst escalating concerns about his age and cognitive sharpness. Equally under the microscope was Trump, aged 78, who has been receiving additional flak over his performance in office.

In the heated exchange about the nation’s financial health at Thursday’s debate, Biden assured the electorate that the economy is thriving, while Trump countered by claiming “the economy is crashing.”

They also discussed abortion rights and Trump’s appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices, which led to the 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

Biden and Trump exchanged blows over immigration policies, with Biden accusing Trump’s approach of being one that would “rip spouses and children from their families, homes, and communities and place them in detention camps.”

What’s next on the agenda?

The second debate is set for September 10, hosted by ABC. Details about the location are still under wraps, but it’s confirmed that David Muir and Linsey Davis will be moderating.

And let’s not overlook the vice-presidential candidates. While Trump has yet to announce his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris is all set for a face-off with her counterpart, having agreed to a CBS News invitation for an in-studio debate on either July 23 or August 13.