Obama backs Biden amid criticism over performance at debate

Former US President Barack Obama has thrown his weight behind President Joe Biden amidst the lower confidence ratings he got after Thursday’s presidential debate.

Biden occasionally stammered, spoke incoherently, and delivered a slurred, throaty speech during the debate against Donald Trump, his immediate predecessor, who is seeking a return to the White House.

The president’s retorts were also perceived as feeble by many analysts.

READ ALSO: Biden reacts after ‘disastrous’ debate with Donald Trump

Analysts said Biden was “deeply vulnerable” and his voice was “shaky,” leaving Democrats worried that they could be throwing away the presidency if he remains at the top of the ticket.

Expressing support in a post shared on X on Friday night, Obama said bad debates happen.

Biden served as vice-president under Obama from 2009 to 2017.

“Trust me, I know. 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,” the former president said.

“Between someone who tells the truth—who knows right from wrong and will give it to the American people straight— and someone who lies through his teeth for his own benefit.

“Last night didn’t change that, and that’s why so much is at stake in November.”

Biden had earlier defended himself at a rally, insisting he could do the job despite his reduced alertness.

“I don’t walk as easily as I used to, I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to, and I don’t debate as well as I used to, but I know what I do know is how to tell the truth,” the 81-year-old told a cheering crowd, chanting “Four more years.”.

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The US presidential election is slated to be held on November 5.