Dave Portnoy divides Internet as he suggests Democrats set up Biden debate to replace him with Gavin Newsom

The Barstool founder suggested Democrats foresaw Biden's underwhelming performance and might have planned to use it as a reason to replace him
UPDATED JUN 29, 2024
Dave Portnoy propagated the unfounded theory that Joe Biden was set up to fail in his debate in order to pave the way for California Gov Gavin Newsom (Getty Images)
Dave Portnoy propagated the unfounded theory that Joe Biden was set up to fail in his debate in order to pave the way for California Gov Gavin Newsom (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: On June 28, in a video posted online, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy reportedly advanced an unsubstantiated theory that President Joe Biden was intentionally set up to fail in his debate with Donald Trump to pave the way for California Gov Gavin Newsom.

Biden's 90-minute debate performance drew widespread criticism across cable and online platforms, highlighting his frequent lapses in thought and incoherent speech. Some media outlets have gone as far as suggesting that Democrats should explore other potential candidates for the 2024 election.

Dave Portnoy attends Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at The Apollo Theater for SiriusXM's Small Stage Series on September 13, 2022 in New York City.
Dave Portnoy suggested that Democrats foresaw Biden's underwhelming performance(Getty Images)

Dave Portnoy claims Democrats are setting up Joe Biden to be replaced by Gavin Newsom

Reports indicate that the president faced low expectations entering the debate but failed to meet them. His delivery lacked energy, his speech wandered, and his points were unclear.

Midway through the debate, the Biden campaign attributed his raspy voice to a cold, which, while possibly true, also seemed like an explanation for his condition.

Portnoy suggested that Democrats foresaw Biden's underwhelming performance and might have planned to use it as a reason to replace him with Newsom.

U.S. President Joe Biden (R) and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump participate in the CNN Presidential Debate at the CNN Studios on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. President Biden and former President Trump are facing off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Joe Biden's 90-minute debate performance against Donald Trump drew widespread criticism across cable and online platforms (Getty Images)

“The Democrats had to know that,” Portnoy said as per The Daily Wire. “Why would you agree to a debate with Biden at this stage — the earliest debate of all time — when you know he’s gone, when you know he can’t speak, when you know he’s a vegetable? Because they wanna whack him… They know he is not going to be the nominee."

“I said this 10 months ago, 11 months ago, when Gavin Newsom was in China being an idiot, playing basketball against these little kids, he steamrolls one of them, then like molests him after. I’m like, ‘This guy’s gonna run for president.’ It’s so obvious. Why is a governor taking a tour of the world? For what purpose? Because he knew and the Democrats have known Joe Biden is gone.”

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom speaks during electio
Portnoy claimed that Democrats aim to substitute Biden with Gavin Newsom(Getty Images)

Portnoy's theory falls apart upon closer scrutiny. Despite Biden's lackluster performance on June 27, he remains determined to participate in the scheduled September debate.

Furthermore, Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, have reaffirmed their support for Biden.

Internet divided on the validity of Dave Portnoy's theory

Dave Portnoy's suggestion of the debate being a set-up to replace Biden with Newsom received divided reactions from viewers. 

A viewer expressed, "The debate flub was an inside job, pulled off by the same people who ensured biden went through an uncontested primary... is not a smart take." [sic]

In a similar fashion, another observer added, "This is the easiest way to get biden off the ticket." [sic] Furthermore, a viewer pointed out, "Portnoy is odd."

Joining the discussion, a user shared, "This is why they are bringing in Newsom to the inner circle. This his Barry Goldwater moment." [sic]

A remark underscored, "Newsom has already come out and advised the Democratic bedwetters to chill the fnck out over a single debate." [sic]

Similarly, another comment echoed, "Nah, this is why the right has this imagine of the left that doesn't really line up with reality, and always gets these weird takes that don't line up. Newsome, even as the 'Now you don't have to vote for an old man' alternative to Trump, isn't nearly as popular among Dems as he made out to be." [sic]

Delving deeper into the topic, an individual elaborated, "Why is the right so drowning in lunatic conspiracies? There are fifteen new ones on a daily basis. It's insane." [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.

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