The debate showed who was in charge.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a presidential candidate, voiced concerns on “Fox & Friends” about President Biden’s recent performance in the CNN Presidential Debate, suggesting it raises doubts about who truly holds decision-making power in the White House.
“He doesn’t appear to be the one calling the shots,” RFK Jr. remarked, expressing unease over what he perceives as governance by anonymous figures with lanyards, which he finds alarming.
Biden’s lackluster debate showing against former President Trump in Atlanta has reverberated through the Democratic Party, heightening anxieties among voters about Biden’s fitness for a second term.
RFK Jr., who organized a parallel event after failing to meet CNN’s debate requirements, emphasized issues like inflation and the housing crisis, lamenting the candidates’ focus on trivial matters instead of outlining concrete plans to address these pressing issues affecting Americans, especially the youth struggling to afford homes.
“This entire episode was a disappointment for democracy,” RFK Jr. remarked. “With 341 million people in our country, both political parties presented two men squabbling over trivialities without addressing how they’ll help our youth attain housing. This generation faces unprecedented challenges, potentially being worse off than their parents.”
He highlighted the personal impact, noting that despite his children’s advantages, they struggle to purchase homes, reflecting a broader crisis affecting the American middle class. RFK Jr. underscored the historical significance of homeownership in fostering economic opportunity and entrepreneurial spirit, which he fears is waning as society shifts towards renting.
Meanwhile, Biden’s subpar debate performance has sparked widespread concern across the media landscape, with critiques ranging from dismal reviews to calls from some on the left for him to reconsider his 2024 candidacy.
CNN’s John King highlighted the intense reaction within the Democratic Party, describing a “very aggressive panic” that began early in the debate and continues to reverberate among party strategists, elected officials, and fundraisers. They are reportedly grappling with how Biden’s performance may impact other candidates down the ticket and debating potential responses to the fallout.