It did not go well.
We have reasons. Trump was Trump. He mis-states, over-states, diverts and lies through his teeth — his stock in trade. The format was horrible. CNN’s moderators didn’t fact check. Their questions had a bias. Joe Biden had a cold. His debate coaching was, ah, insufficient. This is just the first debate; a full campaign season is ahead.
All true, but say what we will. Fifty-one million viewers were watching (although not all of it) and the ensuing clips will be incessant. Our guy’s demeanor on Thursday night served to underscore concerns of his strong supporters. He’s 81, 82 next November, the oldest President in history. He walks stiffly — likely from documented peripheral neuropathy — and can lose his thought on the way to the end of a sentence. He can appear befuddled to be charitable … and, let’s face it, for important parts of that regrettable hour and a half, he was. Bottom line: Donald Trump didn’t win that debate. Joe Biden lost whatever it was he might have gained from it.
So, what’s next?
The Democratic National Convention is seven weeks away. Until it ends on Thursday, August 22, we are in a world of political uncertainty.
I doubt President Biden will step away from re-election. To the contrary, he will be seen doing his job and maintaining a vigorous campaign schedule. He will have no room to falter. Some of his closest advisors, major donors, the Party elders and every would-be pundit here and abroad are watching. They will be doing due diligence, to divine the near future.
Joe Biden’s only evident successor is his Vice President. Kamala Harris can and will be campaigning — after all, she knows how to do it — and under even more intense scrutiny … and personal criticism.
The Democratic convention convenes in Chicago. Already it is the announced target of protests from many quarters and Bodies Outside Unjust Laws has already sued Chicago for broadened parade permitting. This will test the mettle of the Chicago PD up and down the ranks and the convention organization. After all, we are a Party of Free Speech/Free Assembly Democrats and we will be judged accordingly.
In the convention halls and back rooms, individuals and groups will be jostling for position, advocating for platform primacy and raising competing leadership issues. We are a fractious lot. Still, most delegates are committed to the top of the ticket. Absent an uncharacteristic comeback to power by Barack Obama, there is no room for a brokered result and even then …
We have no natural successor but Kamala Harris, and no time to empower anyone else adequately.
Last Thursday’s debate must be a one-off.