CNN host Fareed Zakaria says first debate with Trump 'make-or-break' for Biden's reelection, Internet says 'Joe broke everything already'

Fareed Zakaria said, 'That is about energy, that's about your ability to show that you're in command, you're in control, it's a big moment for Biden'
Fareed Zakaria claimed the first debate against Donald Trump could be a deciding factor for Joe Biden's reelection attempt (Getty Images, Screengrab/CNN)
Fareed Zakaria claimed the first debate against Donald Trump could be a deciding factor for Joe Biden's reelection attempt (Getty Images, Screengrab/CNN)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CNN host Fareed Zakaria claimed incumbent Joe Biden's performance in the first debate against former President Donald Trump may end up deciding the chances of a second term for him at the White House, during a guest appearance on the show, 'CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta.'

With the date of the first debate, to be hosted by CNN on June 27, fast approaching, Zakaria stated, "I think it's a big moment for Biden. I think it’s in some ways a make-or-break. He has a lot more to gain or lose from this."

Fareed Zakaria's pointers for Joe Biden ahead of presidential debates

According to Fox News, Zakaria's advice to the incumbent is that he should approach the debates "as if he's the underdog, as if he's coming from behind, which is all true, but it's hard for the president of the United States to think that way. It's one of the reasons presidents have typically done badly in debates, particularly in the first debate."

He brought up the example of former President Barack Obama from when he debated Mitt Romney, as he continued, "Obama — who's a very good orator — did very badly in the first debate against Romney because the president has been spending his time governing, he's been spending his time with his Cabinet and his White House staff, all of whom defer to him. Every time he walks into the room, the Marine band plays, every time he walks under a tarmac, he's walking on Air Force One or Marine One."

"It's not an atmosphere conducive to recognizing that people can disagree with you. You don‘t realize that you have to punch and counter-punch."

"So Biden has to take this opportunity to be very feisty. The thing I pointed out in that commentary was he is really behind on the question of who is more competent, and I believe that there's a 25-point drop from the 2020 rates for Biden. That is about energy, that‘s about your ability to show that you're in command, you're in control, so it‘s a big moment for Biden," expressed Zakaria.

"I think it's a historic opportunity for him. There's a great moment for CNN. I think this will be one of the most widely and closely watched debates in American history," he concluded.

Internet reacts to Fareed Zakaria's statement

"He broke everything already," wrote a user on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) responding to Zakaria's "make-or-break" comment.



 

"Broke 4 years ago," jibed another.



 

"It's break. There is no coming back from dementia unfortunately," commented a third.



 

"Biden's campaign is already broken. The debates will just be the nail in the coffin," echoed a fourth.



 

"Biden is done. This is his hail mary attempt," claimed a fifth user.



 

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.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Trump approved millions from his political action committee to support vulnerable Republicans, giving the GOP another way to mobilize his network
1 hour ago
Todd Blanche was officially sworn in as the US Attorney General on August 10, 2026, following a narrow 50–49 Senate confirmation vote on August 8, 2026
1 hour ago
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the Iran conflict is weighing on fuel and grocery costs after he argued Trump’s economic agenda was gaining momentum
1 hour ago
CNN reports the move comes as Trump’s team weighs how to boost vulnerable Republicans before November
2 hours ago
The Washington Post reveals new details about a secret flight maneuver that caught journalists off guard
3 hours ago
Researchers found immigration 'mega master' hearings had grown larger, while shorter notice periods made attorneys harder to secure
4 hours ago
After his White House service, Andy Baker will join former Trump national security adviser Robert O’Brien in the private sector
4 hours ago
The proposal would alter a key element of the Ford-class design, raising concerns over the cost and timeline of the changes
5 hours ago
On Friday, August 14, the OCC granted preliminary conditional approval for a bank charter to a crypto firm partially owned by the Trump family
12 hours ago
Donald Trump defended his proposed White House ballroom as a federal court order and Supreme Court appeal put the project’s future in doubt
14 hours ago