Biden Quips About Nearly Falling Asleep Onstage During Debate

At a campaign fundraiser Tuesday night, President Joe Biden candidly addressed his underwhelming performance in last week's presidential debate, attributing it partially to his extensive travel schedule. Speaking in McLean, Virginia, Biden humorously admitted, "I decided to travel around the world a couple of times … shortly before the debate," adding, "I didn’t listen to my staff … and then I almost fell asleep onstage."

The president clarified that while his explanation was not an excuse, it offered context for his debate showing. His aides had previously mentioned that Biden was suffering from a cold during the event in Atlanta. The extent of Biden's joke about almost falling asleep remains unclear, as fundraisers are closed to cameras and the media relies on written pool reports. Known for his unfiltered remarks, Biden often makes candid comments at such events.

Biden also emphasized the importance of defeating former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election, despite his debate missteps. He reiterated his commitment to the campaign, acknowledging his age but asserting his continued ability to tell the truth.

The president’s recent travel itinerary included a visit to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, followed by the Group of Seven Summit in Italy. Upon returning to the U.S., he attended a fundraiser in Los Angeles and spent several days at Camp David, Maryland, preparing for the debate.

Despite his candid admission and attempts to explain his performance, Biden’s debate appearance, marked by a raspy voice and rhetorical errors, has caused concern among some Democrats. Notably, Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas became the first sitting Democratic member of Congress to call on Biden to withdraw from the race.

Addressing supporters in Raleigh, North Carolina, last Friday, Biden acknowledged his age, stating, “I know I’m not a young man. 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 what I do know — I know how to tell the truth!” At 81, Biden is the oldest president in U.S. history, while Trump, 78, is the second oldest.