Biden’s disastrous debate performance offers lessons for Harris and warnings for Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — The first sign of trouble came before the debate even started.

“Folks, how are you?” President Joe Biden said as he shuffled onto the stage. His voice was raspy and thin, his movements stiff. “Good to be here. Thank you.”

It was an inauspicious glimpse of what would become a historic night. The first and last debate between Biden and Donald Trump started a chain reaction leading to Vice President Kamala Harris replacing Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket. She’ll have her own chance in the spotlight Tuesday as she meets Trump in another debate. She’s been hunkered down to prepare with her team, intent on maintaining the momentum that’s breathed new life into Democrats’ chances this year.

Trump, in a recent interview with a New Hampshire radio host, said he was prepared to face Harris after his encounter with Biden.

“He was not good,” Trump said. “I hope she’s not going to be good, too.”

A look back at the June 27 debate holds lessons for Harris and warnings for Trump, whose rambling and occasional incoherence was overshadowed by Biden’s stumbles.

The first hurdle is understanding the optics of the event.

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