Barack Obama reiterated his support for President Joe Biden following Thursday’s debate against Donald Trump.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday, Obama stated that the first presidential debate did not alter his view of the 2024 election as he defended his former VP.
“Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know,” the former two-term president wrote, referring to his own poor showing in the first debate of his reelection campaign in 2012. “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, 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.”
Obama’s statement came amid criticism of Biden’s debate performance against former President Trump, with Biden reportedly battling a cold which affected his voice and delivery during the debate.
Despite the criticism, Obama, along with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, continues to publicly support Biden. Biden himself addressed his performance at a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday, acknowledging his challenges but reaffirming his commitment to honesty and resilience.
“I know I’m not a young man,” Biden said. “I don’t walk as easy as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to.”
“But I know how to tell the truth,” he passionately added. “I know right from wrong. I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. And I know, like millions of Americans know, when you get knocked down you get back up.”
