Biden ripped for ‘totally delusional’ claim about debate that preceded his 2024 exit

Joe Biden has faced criticism after describing his June 2024 debate with Donald Trump as “not very consequential”. The remarks drew a wave of rebuttals because Biden ended his re-election campaign just 24 days after the debate, following pressure from Democratic allies.

Biden said he expected another debate and that the performance did not disturb him. During the televised encounter, he stumbled over words, paused for long periods and appeared confused. Critics called the debate highly consequential, arguing Biden might have remained the nominee without it; his wife Jill later said she thought he was having a stroke on stage. Biden also said his cancer treatment is slowing some public appearances promoting his memoir, due out on 17 November.