Biden mocked as former debate opponents express concern over his temper which Trump could ‘exploit’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden faces a formidable challenge as he prepares for his first debate against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Critics, including former rivals, have pointed out vulnerabilities that Trump could exploit.

John M Burris, a former majority leader of the Delaware House of Representatives who lost to Biden in a 1984 Senate campaign, highlighted Biden’s short temper as a potential weakness.

Joe Biden's former opponents express concern over his vulnerabilities

“What I tried to do was to get him upset. He has a short fuse. And that was our whole strategy,” Burris shared with the New York Post. Burris, who is familiar with Biden’s debate style, emphasized that Biden’s temper could be a significant liability when facing an aggressive opponent like Trump.

Biden’s temper has flared publicly on several occasions. In December 2019, during the Democratic primaries, Biden had a notable confrontation with a voter in Iowa who questioned his son Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine.

Biden responded by calling the voter a “damn liar,” subsequently labeling him as “fat” and challenging him to a push-up contest.

Such instances highlight the susceptibility of Biden’s temper under provocation, a fact that Burris believes Trump could exploit.

“Somebody like Trump coming at you can really make Joe very mad and upset,” Burris, 78, added.

Despite their political rivalry, Burris maintains a personal relationship with Biden, having golfed together regularly before Biden became vice president. Burris’ stepson also attended school with Biden’s sons, Hunter and Beau, at Archmere Academy.

Burris expressed concern for his friend in the upcoming debate, wishing Biden would not run for reelection. 

“I don’t want Joe to run, because I care about him. I want him to go home and enjoy his legacy rather than take four more years. It’s just such a draining job,” Burris said. “He is the same guy, but not quite as quick."

“It’s not going to be very pleasant to watch,” Burris lamented. “I think Trump is going to try and make Joe look old, and not be able to handle the facts and pressures.”

Another former opponent, M Jane Brady, a former Delaware prosecutor and attorney general, also voiced concerns. Having lost to Biden in a 1990 Senate race, Brady observed a noticeable decline in Biden’s capabilities.

“I watched a piece of the debate he had with Trump four years ago and you don’t even see the same person you had four years ago. That’s pretty clear to people,” Brady noted.

“If I were debating him today I would be patient and allow him to speak,” she added. “I think he will find it difficult to provide clarity to the issues he is talking about.”

The upcoming debate, hosted by CNN, is widely viewed as a critical moment for both campaigns. The format, which includes commercial breaks and excludes Robert F Kennedy Jr, will culminate with Trump delivering the final word on stage.

Internet reacts as Joe Biden's former oppenents highlight his short temper

The debate’s high stakes have not gone unnoticed by the public. Biden was widely mocked on social media after past rivals warned his vulnerabilities could be exploited by Trump.

"He doesn’t have to exploit him. Biden will s**t his pants, mumble, and wander off the stage all on his own," one posted on X.

"Also memory, jumbled speech, falling asleep, to name a few more. This is elder abuse," another wrote.

"He’s gonna need Hunter’s marching powder," someone else quipped.

"That’s why they’re cutting the mics," a comment read.

"How long will it take for Brandon to lose his cool? Will it before he dozes off, or wanders off into God knows where," another wondered.

Polls reflect growing concerns

Public opinion polls have added to Biden’s challenges. A March poll conducted by the New York Times and Siena College revealed that 73% of registered voters believe Biden is too old to be an effective president. Among those who voted for Biden in 2020, 61% expressed concerns about his age impacting his efficacy in a second term.

The poll’s findings underscore the widespread apprehension regarding Biden’s mental competency and ability to handle the pressures of the presidency.

At 81, Biden is the oldest president to seek reelection, a factor that has contributed to his trailing position in various polls against Trump, who is just four years younger but perceived as considerably more vigorous by voters.

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.