Gavin Newsom sparks debate as he calls Trump's baseless drug allegation against Biden 'disgraceful tactic'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: California Governor Gavin Newsom struck back at former President Donald Trump for spreading a rumor about President Joe Biden using performance-enhancing drugs prior to the first 2024 presidential debate, labeling it "a disgraceful tactic."

According to Newsweek,speaking with reporters outside the debate site in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday evening, the California Democrat specifically took aim at Trump, who has pushed baseless claims that Biden was on drugs during his State of the Union address in March.

Trump's call for drug test met with contempt by Newsom

Trump has also joined calls for Biden to take a drug test before the two candidates take the debate stage. "It's beneath contempt," Newsom said Thursday of the rumor, according to a report from The Hill. "It's a disgraceful tactic."

The governor added that Trump's claims were "just typical of somebody who's a bit unhinged."

Biden, who at 81 years old is the oldest sitting president in US history, has been repeatedly criticized by Republicans for his gaffes during public events, and some critics have raised concerns about his ability to serve another four-year term.

Trump recently turned 78 years old, and some people close to him have suggested that his mental sharpness may be on the decline.

Polling has shown that the majority of American voters have concerns about both candidates' age and ability to serve again.

White House dismisses drug allegations as Biden campaign responds with humor

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates previously dismissed baseless claims about Biden taking drugs prior to his State of the Union, telling Politico in May, "It's telling that Republican officials are unable to stop announcing how intimidated they remain by [the] President's State of the Union performance."

The Defense Department previously found that Trump's White House Medical Unit did not comply with federal regulations for prescription drugs during the former president's term.

According to a report from the department released in January, the drugs handed out to ineligible staff members included controlled substances and stimulan

Biden's campaign has poked fun at rumors about him using illicit drugs. In a post to X, about 30 minutes before Thursday's debate kicked off, the president posted a photo of a can of "Dark Brandon's Secret Sauce," which according to Biden's campaign website is made up of "100% water, 0% malarkey." The campaign is selling them for $4.60 a can.

"I don't know what they've got in these performance enhancers, but I'm feeling pretty jacked up," read Biden's post on X. "Try it yourselves, folks."

Trump and Biden debate amid tight polling

Both candidates are heading into debate night in a tight race for president. A recent poll from The New York Times and Siena College gave Trump a four-point lead over Biden if voters had to cast a ballot now.

The same poll, however, found that a majority of Americans have a "somewhat unfavorable" or "very unfavorable" opinion of Biden and Trump.

Polling analysis site FiveThirtyEight said that as of Thursday afternoon, Biden and Trump have nearly equal chances of winning the 2024 presidential election. When ran through a simulation, Biden won the election 50 out of 100 times, while Trump won 49 out of 100.

Social media divided over presidential debate controversy

The aftermath of Gavin Newsom's condemnation of Trump's allegations against Biden has sparked heated exchanges on social media, reflecting deep divisions.

One user wrote, "Coming from Gavin who lied on tv...Trump doesn't like illegal immigrants coming in, Gavin said on tv tonight that Trump hates immigrants.  Big difference Gavin, why believe anything you say???"

Another user commented, "That is all this scumbag of oranged 'human' does, lie about everything!"

One said, "If Newsom thinks Trump accursing Joe Biden of using performance-enhancing drugs was "a disgraceful tactic" then why wouldn't Brandon agree to take the  test?"

One user replied, "I wouldn't believe one word  from newsom!'

One user added, "Expect Gavin to become very vocal and critical of Trump in the next few days.  After Biden's "performance" tonight, Gavin knows there might be a chance to replace him on the ticket."

One user wrote, "Biden's performance tonight all but proved that President trump was absolutely right. There was a stark difference between Biden's performance in March and tonight. I challenge Newsom to prove that Biden wasn't given drugs in March. After tonight, it would not shock me if Newsom replaces Biden at the DNC convention. I just pray that people aren't fooled by this corrupt piece of garbage."

One said, "Hahaha... The Maga's are really going to bat for their boy... I'm 70 and I take meds also as does everyone at our age including Trump... I don't want a Convicted Felon/Convicted Sexual Aggressor as My President. Period!!!"

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