Obama urges voters to consider Biden's 'entire life,' not just 'bad debate night'

Former President Barack Obama responded on Friday to the criticism President Joe Biden received for his debate performance on Thursday night, attempting to ease the concerns of voters by urging them to consider Biden’s entire life instead of one bad debate night.

In a post on X, Obama acknowledged Biden's poor performance, admitting, "Bad debate nights happen." However, he urged people not to let this deter their support for Biden.

“Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know,” Obama’s post read. “But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself. Between someone who tells the truth; who knows right from wrong and will give it to the American people straight — and someone who lies through his teeth for his own benefit. Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November.”

Vice-President Kamala Harris echoed a similar sentiment to Obama in a post-debate interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Harris attempted to set aside concerns about the president’s poor performance in the debate, arguing that there was a “clear contrast” between Trump and Biden. She admitted that Biden had a “slow start” in the debate but claimed he also had a “strong finish.”

“What became very clear through the course of the night is that Joe Biden is fighting on behalf of the American people on substance, on policy, on performance,” Harris claimed.

The comments by the former president come as many voices within the Democratic party have called for Biden to not be named the Democratic Nominee for president when the party's convention is held in August. MSNBC’s Joy Reid said following the debate she had people texting her complaining that the President appeared “extremely feeble” and weak. She also voiced concerns that the Democratic party doesn’t believe Biden can represent “the real working-class white guy” in the party’s base.

Despite his underwhelming performance, the Biden campaign remains committed to participating in a second presidential debate in September.