Controversy Surrounds Biden’s Debate Performance

Two New York Times columnists face criticism for their analysis of the Trump-Biden debate after comments from Jill Biden. She revealed she believed her husband might have been experiencing a stroke during the event. In June 2024, President Joe Biden’s unsettling performance led to his withdrawal from the presidential race. “I don’t know what happened,” Jill Biden shared during an interview with CBS News. “When I watched, I thought, ‘Oh my God, he’s having a stroke,’ and it scared me to death.”

Adding to the controversy, The Atlantic shared an excerpt from her upcoming book, suggesting she believed he might have been drugged at the time.

“Former aides to Biden expressed disbelief and anger over Jill Biden’s comments,” reported a journalist.

The debate, which aired in June 2024, has reignited discussions about media interpretations. Times columnist Jamelle Bouie described it back then, saying, “We had a raspy and stumbling President Biden and a deranged Donald Trump. Is there a winner here? Nah.”

Another Times columnist, Lydia Polgreen, reflected on the event, stating, “No one won this debate, but there is no question who lost: those planning to vote in November.” She criticized Biden’s performance as lacking clarity and control while criticizing Trump’s aggressive approach.

The analysis by Bouie and Polgreen diverged from the majority opinion of their colleagues, who largely saw Trump as the debate’s victor.

In response to the resurfaced debate scores, National Review writer Dan McLaughlin highlighted the discrepancy, sharing a scoring chart on social media. “Biden’s own wife thought he was having a stroke. Two NY Times columnists insisted he’d fought Trump to a draw,” he noted. His social media post gained traction, sparking further commentary from others in the media.

“Even while having a [stroke], or possibly drugged, Biden miraculously fought Trump to a draw!” joked The Atlantic’s Ashley Parker. CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski and “Ruthless” podcast co-host Josh Holmes also chimed in with similar remarks.

Fox News Digital reached out to Bouie and Polgreen to see if they still stand by their evaluations of the debate, but received no response. The media continues to grapple with how to interpret and present major political events, as highlighted by this ongoing discussion.