Dem Rep. Jonathan Jackson: 9 P.M. Debate ‘Too Late’ for ‘Older’ Biden

Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) voiced concerns over President Joe Biden’s performance during the recent presidential debate, suggesting that the 9 p.m. start time was too late for the 81-year-old commander-in-chief. Jackson's comments come amid growing worries about Biden’s capacity to endure the rigors of another term.

During an interview, Jackson emphasized that debates scheduled later in the evening do not play to Biden’s strengths, highlighting his better engagement during daytime hours. Jackson’s remarks echo sentiments from other Democrats who believe that the late-night schedule contributed to Biden’s subpar debate performance​.Reports from inside the White House suggest that Biden is most alert and effective between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with aides observing notable lapses outside this window. These observations were supported by a series of verbal miscues and apparent fatigue exhibited by Biden during the debate​​.

Biden’s aides insist he is sharp between 10AM and 4PM and say they schedule events in that window. He had trouble with the debate because it was at 9PM.

Thankfully the presidency is a job with fixed hours that only requires 6 hours of work a day. pic.twitter.com/dA1I2oYp2i

— Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) June 29, 2024

Further compounding concerns, Biden’s advisers reportedly failed to account for the President’s optimal functioning times when scheduling the debate. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), a surrogate for Biden, publicly questioned the decision to agree to a 9 p.m. debate, stating that Biden is "much better in the day." Khanna noted that the President himself acknowledged not performing well, attributing it to his age and the late hour​​.

Biden's shaky debate performance, marked by moments of confusion and stumbles, has reignited discussions about his fitness for office. Some White House aides were reportedly shocked by the extent of his struggles, attributing them to the isolating practices of his inner circle. These aides, led by figures such as Jill Biden’s top aide Anthony Bernal, have been criticized for overly shielding the President from other staff and public interactions​​.

The question is, if Biden is only functional for six hours a day, does he want to spend that time being president or watching Matlock? He’s beyond the point in his life where there’s much else he can do, which is why he stays in the race. https://t.co/Ce9iIYXMY1

— Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) June 29, 2024

In light of these events, several Democratic donors have expressed panic, urging Biden to reconsider his re-election bid. However, the Biden campaign remains resolute, asserting that the President will not drop out of the race. Prominent Democratic figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, have offered their support, emphasizing Biden's determination to continue​​.

Despite the backlash, Biden continues to press on with his campaign, recently delivering a more energized speech at a rally in North Carolina. During this rally, Biden candidly acknowledged his age-related challenges but reaffirmed his commitment to running for a second term​​.

The debate over Biden's capability has also been reflected in public opinion. A Rasmussen Reports poll indicated that 57% of voters believe Biden has become "less mentally sharp" over time. Meanwhile, an NBC News poll revealed that 62% of registered voters harbor "major concerns" about Biden's mental and physical health​​.

As the 2024 election approaches, these concerns will likely play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions and the strategies employed by the Biden campaign.