Barbra Streisand and Mark Hamill among celebs slamming CNN moderators over Biden-Trump debate

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Several celebrities criticized Donald Trump, the debate moderators, and the state of US politics during the recent presidential debate. Despite their outspoken views, none definitively asserted that Joe Biden was the clear winner of the debate.

On Thursday, June 27, the president and his predecessor faced off in Atlanta for the first of two debates, covering topics such as the economy, immigration, and foreign affairs.

Celebrities like Barbra Streisand, John Cusack, Jeri Ryan, and Stephen King express dismay

Biden, affected by a cold, initially spoke in a hoarse voice and appeared confused, but his clarity improved as the debate progressed.

Trump displayed his characteristic vigor, launching attacks on Biden and making numerous false statements throughout the 90-minute debate.

The Democratic response was one of alarm during and after the debate, as Biden's subdued performance raised fears of a significant electoral loss, Daily Mail reports.

Celebrities such as Barbra Streisand, John Cusack, Jeri Ryan and Stephen King expressed their dismay online while the debate unfolded.

CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash were also criticized by celebrities who accused them of not challenging Trump's falsehoods.

"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!" Streisand wrote mid-debate.

Earlier in the day, the singer described debates as "televised theatrics" rather than a form of governing, and referred to Biden as "accomplished at governing." Cusack shared more than a dozen tweets during the debate, echoing Streisand's argument in some of them.

"Trump is a convicted felon - making up whatever he wants. CNN has abdicated every definitional responsibility," he wrote.

In another post, he added, "CNN letting this deranged liar lie with no consequences - meanwhile - dems thinks having the right data points matter - This is the end my beautiful friends." [sic]

Jeri Ryan, recognized for her role as Seven of Nine in 'Star Trek,' has also called for CNN's moderators to more assertively challenge Trump.

"Trump won't actually answer ANY question! And no pushback AT ALL from the moderators," she wrote.

Ryan also reacted to a false claim by Trump that doctors in some states were permitted to perform abortions 'after birth', without detailing how such a procedure would be possible.

"AFTER birth'?? What a complete moron. There is NO abortion AFTER birth," she wrote.

She later added, "My God, he truly lies like he breathes."

Bestselling author Stephen King has criticized the state of American democracy revealed by the debate.

"Sweet Jesus! The networks are packaging this as entertainment, like a boxing match, and selling democracy down the river. It's a shame," he wrote.

Actress Nia Long has expressed, "This debate is deplorable."

'Star Wars' actor Mark Hamill considers Joe Biden a better president

John Cusack acknowledged that the event was disastrous for Biden and likely signaled the demise of the Democrats' aspirations to retain the White House. "Meltdown - CNN created the ideal conditions," he noted.

He asserted that Democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders would secure a landslide victory and forecasted that California Governor Gavin Newsom would succeed him.

Jesse Williams also hinted at Newsom succeeding Biden by sharing a meme of a man walking confidently into a television studio.

"Gavin Newsom walking into the DNC offices tomorrow morning," he wrote.

'Star Wars' actor Mark Hamill refrained from declaring Biden the debate winner, but he emphasized that despite having an off night, Biden was still a far superior president.

He wrote, "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." [sic]

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.