Biden’s harsh voice in the debate raises health concerns

June 28, 2024

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump skipped handshakes and got straight to the point during Thursday night’s debate, but the audience at home, constantly active on social media, seemed unimpressed with their early performance.

Biden, who has suffered from a stutter since childhood, struggled with a muffled tone and a scratchy voice, and even coughed early in the broadcast. Audiences immediately raised concerns on social media about his health, age and voice quality.

Donald Trump

There were plenty of jokes – “Biden coughs like Beth in ‘Little Women,’ I’m sure that’s OK,” wrote one user – while others expressed genuine frustration and concern.

“This whole event is a disaster. Jake and Dana are invisible, Biden sounds exhausted, and Trump lies incessantly. Nobody is winning tonight.” wrote another.

Others, in confusion about Biden’s obvious lack of performance: “Didn’t he hide in the woods for a week?????”

Read on for more early reactions to Biden’s voting woes on Thursday.

Joe Biden’s voice went out after the first sentence #Debates2024 pic.twitter.com/Z5fITgcutv

— Brent (@Brentweets) June 28, 2024

Biden coughs like Beth in Little Women. I’m sure it’s OK

— Mike Scollins (@mikescollins) June 28, 2024

Two grandfathers stand on stage and try to explain women’s health and reproductive rights.

I hate it here #PresidentialDebate

— Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) June 28, 2024

This whole event is a disaster. Jake and Dana are invisible, Biden sounds exhausted, and Trump lies incessantly. Nobody is winning tonight.

— AJ Katz (@ajkatztv) June 28, 2024

I’m not a fan of Joe Biden, but what we’re experiencing right now is so unpleasant to watch.

Here stands an old, frail man on stage who drifts off and loses track every few minutes.

Make it stop.

– Nachi Gordon (@gordon770) June 28, 2024

What’s going on with Joe Biden’s vote?

Didn’t he hide in the forest for a week?????

— Karoline Leavitt (@kleavittnh) June 28, 2024

My GOD, this is a fucking train wreck for Biden. He looks limping and old. His voice is cracked, faded and weak. God almighty. It’s worse than I feared. #Debates2024

— Scott Reid (@_scottreid) June 28, 2024