Biden election debate performance ‘not his best moment’ – UK Democrats

Joe Biden’s election debate performance against Donald Trump was “not his best moment”, but UK-based Democrats are “sticking” with him, an official group has said.

Sharon Manitta, from Democrats Abroad, told the PA News Agency there had been a cool reaction to President Biden’s performance from Americans in the UK.

“None of us are jumping up and down with joy,” she said.

“We’re not happy with the way it went.

“We have to be realistic. It was not Biden’s best moment.”

Mr Biden’s performance, particularly early in the debate, crystallised the concerns of many Americans that, at 81, he is too old to serve as president.

Asked about calls for the Democrat to consider stepping aside as the party’s nominee ahead of the November election, Ms Manitta said: “We’re sticking with Biden.”

Democrats Abroad is the official body of the Democratic Party in the United Kingdom.

Ms Manitta said there should have been a better “fact check system” during the debate to counter claims made by 78-year-old Mr Trump.

“Donald Trump is not there for the country,” she said, “he’s there for himself.

“I sit and wonder why why people can’t see through what he’s doing.

“All we can do is try and educate people with facts.”

After the debate, Mr Trump’s allies immediately declared victory, while prominent Democrats publicly questioned whether Mr Biden could move forward.

Greg Swenson, from Republicans Overseas UK, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Wow. Little did I know how much of a disaster this was for Biden and the Democrats.

“Biden is done.”

Asked about his performance in the debate, Mr Biden told reporters early on Friday that “I think we did well”, but said he had a “sore throat”.

Pressed about Democratic concerns with his showing that he should consider stepping aside, Mr Biden said: “No, it’s hard to debate a liar.”