Presidential debate: Incumbent usually struggles

President Biden’s weak first debate may not prove to be his ultimate undoing if history is a barometer. Incumbents often struggle to find their footing but, in the end, win re-election.

"Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know," Barack Obama wrote on social media platform X Friday. "But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself."

Biden faced scathing criticism from the media and prompted reports of panic within his party after what many described as a disastrous faceoff with Trump. The pair stood even in the polls before the debate, but Trump gained a few points over the weekend after the debate.