‘There’s panic in the Democratic party’
Some of Joe Biden’s Hollywood pals must be nervously quaking in their boots after the president’s disastrous performance in Thursday night’s debate against former President Donald Trump.
With his aides blaming a cold for Biden’s halting, confused and oftentimes incoherent responses, the Democrat candidate’s performance was called a “disaster” by a chorus of critics online.
Immediately after their war-of-words concluded, CNN’s John King said there was “very aggressive panic in the Democratic Party” that began almost the moment Biden opened his mouth.
King’s CNN colleague Kasie Hunt said Democrats are “beside themselves watching this debate.”
“The voice, open-mouthed look, and visual contrast between President Biden and former President Trump all have Democrats I’m talking to nearly beside themselves watching this debate,” she wrote in a viral post on X.
Megyn Kelly went a step further, saying Biden’s run as president has come to an abrupt end.
But as the debate played out, Hollywood celebrities worried about Biden’s performance, with some blaming CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash for letting Trump avoid answering direct questions.
Earlier in the day, the legendary music artist called the format “televised theatrics” and praised Biden for being “accomplished at governing.”
But Streisand didn’t offer any analysis of Biden’s dismal performance following the conclusion of the debate.
After saying that he was keeping his expectations low, Star Wars actor Mark Hamill praised the president while admitting he had an “off night.”
“One off night doesn’t change the fact that @JoeBiden is the most legislatively successful (President of the United States) in our lifetime,” Hamill wrote on X. “One off night also doesn’t change the fact that the former guy is a convicted felon, serial liar & adjudicated rapist who is unfit for ANY office. Period.”
Actor John Cusack lamented that Biden “overprepared” and blamed Tapper and Bush for not questioning some of Trump’s statements. “CNN is again giving free airtime to torrents of lies – unchecked,” he wrote on X.
Later in the night, Cusack predicted that California Governor Gavin Newsom would replace Biden as the Democratic nominee this November.
“That’s been maneuvered openly if you know the language and optics,” Cusack wrote. “Two things will be clear to anyone who wants to face reality. Biden will be forced to step down and Kamala Harris will not beat Trump. Bernie (Sanders) would destroy Trump. So … Newsom will make his move.”
Maria Shriver, the niece of former United States President John F. Kennedy, called Biden’s stage presence “heartbreaking.”
“I love Joe Biden. I know he’s a good man. I know his heart is good. I know he’s dedicated to our country and is surrounded by good people. Tonight was heartbreaking in many ways. This is a big political moment. There’s panic in the Democratic party. It’s going to be a long night,” she said.
Staunch Trump supporter Roseanne Barr said she was “sad” watching Biden Thursday night.
In his post-debate analysis, Daily Show host Jon Stewart said this “cannot be real life” as he criticized both participants.
“Let me just say after watching tonight’s debate, both of these men should be using performance-enhancing drugs!” Stewart said. “As much of it as they can get, as many times a day as their bodies will allow. If performance-enhancing drugs will improve their lucidity, their ability to solve problems — and in one of the candidates’ cases, improve their truthfulness, morality, and malignant narcissism — then suppository away. They should be taking whatever magical drugs can kick their brains into gear, ’cause this ain’t Olympic swimming.”
Basking in his victory, immediately afterwards, Trump ran ads showing Biden’s mumbling responses onstage alongside clips of the president repeatedly falling.
The businessman also shared a viral snap to his Instagram page showing the pair side-by-side with the caption: “Trump Indicted for Murdering Elderly Man on CNN.”