10 celebs react to Trump-Biden debate in Atlanta: From Mark Hamill to Roseanne Barr
10 celebrities who weighed in on Joe Biden and Donald Trump's presidential debate
In a highly anticipated showdown, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump clashed in Atlanta, addressing a range of pressing issues from the economy to foreign affairs. The first of two debates was a spectacle, drawing fierce reactions from both sides of the political spectrum, and nowhere was this more evident than on social media, where celebrities voiced their opinions. The debate saw Biden, hampered by a cold, struggling initially with a hoarse voice and moments of apparent confusion. However, as the night progressed, he found his footing. Trump, maintaining his characteristic energy, seized the stage with a barrage of attacks, many of which fact-checkers later deemed inaccurate. As the debate unfolded, Democratic supporters grew increasingly anxious over Biden's performance, fearing it might lead to a significant electoral setback. Amid the unfolding drama, celebrities like Barbra Streisand, John Cusack, Mark Hamill, and Stephen King took to social media to share their unfiltered thoughts.
1. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand didn't mince words in her critique of the moderators. "What is wrong with these two moderators who let Trump change the subject? They ask him a question, but then let him go on a rampage about something else. Not fair!" she tweeted. Streisand had earlier described political debates as "televised theatrics" and praised Biden for his governance experience.
2. Roseanne Barr
Roseanne Barr, known for her outspoken views, shared a nuanced take: "As MAGA and pro America as I am…. I take no happiness in this debate. Biden is clearly not here. This is sad. Obama is sacrificing his friend to push his radical policies and I don't want any of us celebrating after this. Yes Trump is clearly the better choice… but let’s take this moment to pray for our country instead."
3. Bette Midler
Bette Midler, a staunch Democrat, was scathing in her assessment of Donald Trump. "Fear and grievance, ad infinitum," she posted. Midler lambasted Trump for dishonesty, stating, "Every word out of his mouth is a lie. Every single word." She contrasted this with Joe Biden's performance, noting that despite his cold, Biden "answered the questions, Trump never did. He feinted, he wove, he dodged, he lied."
4. Stephen King
Horror novelist Stephen King expressed his dismay at the debate's presentation. "DEBATE NIGHT IN AMERICA! Sweet Jesus! The networks are packaging this as entertainment, like a boxing match, and selling democracy down the river. It's a shame," he tweeted, capturing the frustration many felt about the media's handling of the event.
5. Caitlyn Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner, a long-time supporter of Donald Trump, reinforced her allegiance post-debate. "Joe Biden is a total and complete failure and clearly in major mental decline. Vote accordingly! @TeamTrump," she tweeted, emphasizing her belief in Trump's superiority with a series of US flag emojis.
6. Ja Rule
Rapper Ja Rule voiced a sentiment of disillusionment shared by many. "This can’t be our only choice of candidates…," he wrote, reflecting a widespread frustration with the state of the political landscape.
7. Jason Blum
Filmmaker Jason Blum's reaction was concise and downhearted. "I give up," he posted, summarizing the exhaustion felt by some viewers after the intense debate.
8. Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker, defended Biden's record despite the debate performance: "One off night doesn't change the fact that @JoeBiden is the most legislatively successful @POTUS in our lifetime. 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."
9. Russell Brand
Comedian Russell Brand, a vocal Trump supporter, highlighted Donald Trump's jibe when Joe Biden stumbled. "I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence, I don't think he knows what he said either," Trump had remarked. Brand added his own commentary: "YIKES," underscoring the moment's awkwardness.
10. Jesse Williams
Actor Jesse Williams took aim at the moderators' handling of the debate, questioning their effectiveness. "Why moderate if you’re not gonna moderate? Not a single lie checked," he tweeted, expressing a frustration echoed by many on social media.
