President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump got straight to business in Thursday night’s debate, skipping the handshake. However, at-home audiences were not impressed by their performances right out of the gate. Biden, who has struggled with a stutter since childhood, appeared to have a subdued tone and a raspy voice, even coughing during an early exchange. Audiences on social media immediately raised concerns about his health, age, and vocal quality.
There were jokes circulating on social media about Biden’s coughing, with one user comparing him to a character from “Little Women.” Some expressed genuine frustration and concern about the overall event, with one user stating that no one wins that night due to Biden sounding exhausted and Trump lying incessantly. Others were confused about Biden’s performance, questioning why he seemed to be underperforming, especially after reportedly hiding in the woods for a week.
CNN confirmed that Biden “had a cold for the past couple of days” after the debate ended. Social media users continued to comment on Biden’s vocal troubles during the debate, with some describing it as uncomfortable and worrying to watch. Some expressed shock at how frail Biden appeared and how his voice seemed to be fading and cracking. Overall, many viewers were concerned about Biden’s health and performance during the debate.