Former President Joe Biden told People Magazine that his disastrous 2024 debate performance was “not very consequential.” This comment comes just as he promotes his new memoir, Promise Me, America, which arrives on November 17. The former president dropped out of the race only 24 days after that June 27 debate against Donald Trump.
Biden claimed he did not feel the toll of the Oval Office while in office. He told RedState that he read about Harry Truman calling it the most difficult job but “I didn’t find it that way.” He also stated that his health issues never interfered with his work. “If I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer, I would have resigned,” Biden said. He added that he would not have run if he knew he had cancer.
Critics Slam the Remarks
Reaction to these comments was swift and negative across social media. Steve Cortes, a former Trump campaign operative, wrote on X that Biden’s claim is wrong given the debate forced him out of the race. Matt Whitlock, a senior adviser, called the event “the most consequential Presidential debate in history.” He argued Biden likely would have stayed the nominee without that debate. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis quipped, “It was the most lopsided debate in history. C’mon, man!”
Steve Guest, a conservative commentator, wrote on X that the former president “is TOTALLY delusional.” Fox News reported that these comments drew swift criticism on Wednesday. The debate is widely seen as the moment that ended his campaign for the presidency. Washington Times noted that Biden now says the performance did not affect the 2024 contest outcome.
Backlash Over Health Claims
Biden also faced scrutiny regarding his health claims during a trip to Dublin, Ireland. RedState reported that he traveled there to watch his son Hunter receive a gold medal. The award recognized “Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse”, who was affiliated with the College Historical Society. While in Dublin, pro-Palestinian activists began throwing things at Biden and his car. During the incident, rioters were subdued and detained by Irish police.
The former president’s assertion that he would have resigned if he knew about cancer has sparked debate. He stated, “But that wasn’t the case” regarding his knowledge of his health at the time. RedState questioned when he started feeling lousy and noted no one said he was sick before the race. The interview highlights a disconnect between his view of the past and the public memory of the debate.
These comments will likely fuel further discussion as his memoir releases next month. The public remains divided on whether the debate was a minor mistake or a career-ending event. The former president insists the debate did not disturb him, but critics say that view ignores reality. His new book aims to shape how history remembers his final months in office.
