Joe Biden admits to struggling on debate stage due to jet lag

President Joe Biden admitted to underperforming at last week's debate, attributing his lackluster performance to exhaustion from extensive travel in the days leading up to the event. Speaking at a campaign fundraiser in McLean, Virginia, Biden candidly acknowledged that his decision to travel around the world before the debate was not wise, jokingly mentioning that he almost fell asleep onstage. Despite his team citing a cold as the reason for his performance, Biden emphasized the importance of defeating former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. The president's travels included a trip to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, followed by attendance at the Group of Seven Summit in Italy, a fundraiser in Los Angeles, and preparation at Camp David, Maryland, before the debate. Biden's self-deprecating remarks at the fundraiser were met with laughter from attendees, with him clarifying that he was providing an explanation, not an excuse, for his debate performance. At 78 years old, Biden is the oldest president in American history, raising concerns about his mental acuity and health among some senior allies. Calls for Biden to step down from his re-election campaign have emerged, with Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas being the first sitting Democratic member of Congress to support the idea. Former Democratic congressman Tim Ryan suggested Vice President Kamala Harris replace Biden as the party's nominee. However, behind closed doors, reports suggest a different persona of Biden, described as intimidating and difficult during briefings. The debate optics and Biden's admission of sleep deprivation have added to the ongoing scrutiny of his candidacy and leadership style. As the election approaches, the focus remains on Biden's ability to lead effectively and compete against his opponents. With concerns about his performance and health lingering, the president's explanations for his actions and decisions are being closely examined by both supporters and critics alike.