'Trump's pool boy': Jake Tapper mocked as he questions Rep Bennie Thompson on Biden's debate performance

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: CNN’s Jake Tapper didn’t hold back in questioning Rep Bennie Thompson (D-MS) on his defense of President Joe Biden following a lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump.

The exchange, which took place on CNN’s 'The Lead', highlighted deepening concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s candidacy for 2024.

The debate, widely criticized as a poor showing for Biden, has sparked discussions about his ability to continue as the Democratic nominee.

Congressman Bennie Thompson defends Biden amid debate fallout

Despite mounting pressure and calls from some quarters for Biden to step aside in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris or another Democratic contender, most Democratic lawmakers have stood firm in their support for the president.

However, during Tuesday’s episode of 'The Lead', Thompson was asked to comment on Biden’s performance and its implications.

Tapper, probing for clarity, asked, "How concerned are you about President Biden’s standing right now? We have a new poll from CNN. Most voters – 75%, I think of voters – think Democrats have a better chance of keeping the White House if Biden is not the nominee. And we have a new poll suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris is actually a stronger challenge within the margin of error to Donald Trump than President Biden is. Are you concerned about President Biden’s acuity and his ability to win?"

Thompson attempted to reassure viewers, attributing Biden’s subpar showing to "just a bad day".

"Well, just like all of us who have committed to making sure that Donald Trump is not put back in the White House. We want the best foot forward. I would still lead with President Biden. He’s a good man. His policies have worked and we’ll see how it works out. If the new strategy, taking it to the people, doing various town hall-type meetings or interviews works out, then so be it," he said.

He added, "But I think at the end of the day, Democrats need to be united. If in fact we go forward and that message is positive, then we have, in fact done what’s in the best interests of this country. But I think– I wouldn’t put everything on just one bad debate. I’ve been in elective office a good while. Some days are just not good days."

"That debate was not a good day. But it’s not the end of a campaign. It’s not the end of his reelection effort. But we have to do some things to reassure the public that it was not just a one-off, but it was just a bad day."

Tapper challenges Biden's defender: 'more than just a bad day'

However, Tapper pushed back, suggesting there might be more at play than a mere off-day, "With all due respect, Sir, it wasn’t just a bad debate. I mean, we’ve seen other incidents, and I’m not just talking about aging. We all age. My parents are in their 80s. I get it. It happens if we’re lucky enough to make it to our 80s, it happens. It seems– it doesn’t seem like it’s just aging, don’t you think?"

Thompson maintained his support for Biden, highlighting his leadership qualities and global respect, "Well, I don’t think that way. I’ve known him for quite awhile. As people mature, things happen. But if I look at the policies, if I look at what his administration stands for, it’s what keeps America great. He’s a great leader. He’s respected by people around the world, and that has value. Now Donald Trump, on the other hand, is not that. So, when I look at the two individuals running for president leading both tickets, I say Joe Biden is the person."

Thompson then acknowledged once more that Biden’s debate performance fell short, "That debate was not a good day."

Criticism mounts against Jake Tapper following debate moderation

Following his debate moderation, Jake Tapper faced a wave of criticism across social media platforms.

One user said, "Jake is now Trump's pool boy."

Another added, "Worst debate moderator ever. Potted plants do more than Tapper."

One user commented, "Jake is auditioning to be Trump's next press secretary."

One stated, "Jake is starting to seem really emotionally invested in this narrative."

One user replied, "It was Tapper's fault. He was supposes to be fact-checking Trump."

Another stated, "Jake never shut down fatty34 weird."

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