During the first presidential debate of the 2024 election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, viewers across the US expressed distress and concern at the candidates’ performance. Photographers captured Americans’ reactions to the spectacle, ranging from shock and disappointment to frustration and alarm.
One of the viewers at a debate watch party at Broadway Bowl in South Portland, Maine, Karen Sellinger, appeared exasperated as Trump spoke. Another attendee, Rosemarie DeAngelus, commented to the Associated Press that Biden lacked the spark needed to win over voters that night. Despite previous examples, such as Barack Obama’s dismal first debate in 2012, Biden’s showing has left many wondering about the future of his campaign.
A poor debate performance does not necessarily mean the end of a presidential campaign, but it certainly doesn’t help. Biden’s disappointing performance has led to renewed speculation about potential replacements if he were to drop out of the race. The debate was considered Biden’s opportunity to prove his strength and address concerns about his age and fitness. However, his convoluted responses and poor showing have sparked panic among Democrats while Trump resorted to lying and misleading statements throughout the debate.
