Biden's 'excruciating' debate performance leaves Democrats angry his ego could see them lose election

28 June 2024, 15:34 | Updated: 28 June 2024, 19:14

Ninety minutes is a long watch in politics - ask a Democrat, any Democrat.

As the mist was hanging heavy over Atlanta the morning after the presidential debate, for them the metaphors were writing themselves.

Hot takes from the night before gave way to clear-eyed, cold assessment that chilled the Democratic Party.

Latest: Reaction to Biden v Trump debate

The briefest glance at US media reflected their concern at just how bad it had been and how much worse it could get.

Read more:
The loophole that could force Biden out
Excruciating Biden debate performance
Key moments from Trump v Biden

An excruciating TV performance had been designed to showcase strength and offer reassurance around their leader and president. Rather, it imbued a sense of crisis that crystallised overnight.

Party acolytes and opinion formers who wouldn't listen to concerns over the top of the ticket are now screaming for change.

And yet, it was Team Biden who triggered the TV debate. The plan had been to grab the attention of a disengaged American public and shift opinion polls that have shown Donald Trump in front.