Biden’s debate performance should worry all of us as Americans

If Democrats aren’t desperately trying to figure out how to replace President Joe Biden as their nominee, they didn’t watch the same debate I did.
From the minute Biden shuffled on to the stage Thursday night in Atlanta, to when he started mumbling in a raspy voice, it was clear he is not up to the most important job in the country – and definitely not up for another four years in the White House.
When the president gave his answers, it seemed like he was quickly reciting memorized responses from his past week focused on debate prep at Camp David. 
Yet, even then, he couldn’t get through a whole sentence or thought without stumbling, looking confused or just having a hard time finding the breath to finish. He often misspoke and had to repeat himself. 
For months, voters have made clear their biggest concern about Biden is his age, at 81. The president has visibly declined in the last few years, and if he wanted to quell those fears, this forum was the time to do it.
And he failed. 
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Former President Donald Trump delivered the performance he needed to. 
While he delved into bullying and unnecessary digs at his opponent, standard behavior for Trump, he stayed on message and proved a stark contrast to Biden.
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Although Trump is 78, only a few years Biden’s junior, the former president spoke with confidence and seemed much more in control of the situation. 
And for much of the debate, he kept focused on the issues the American people are most concerned with this election: the economy and immigration. 
Biden struggled to explain why inflation and illegal crossings at the border have exploded under his watch – and what he would do in the next four years to combat it. 
The president also seemed to have little appreciation for the horrors of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and the 13 American lives that were lost, which happened under his direction. 
When it comes to abortion – an issue Biden hoped would drive Democrats to the polls – Trump did a good job staying consistent on how abortion rights should stay with the states after Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago. 
Biden and Trump are the most despised candidates in decades, and it’s not hard to figure out why. It was painful to watch them.
Trump has plenty of flaws, many of which played out during the debate.
But the biggest loser in the contest was Biden.
The president knew all eyes would be on him and how he performed, and he was unable to deliver the confidence that he’s capable of continuing in his role. 
I don’t think it’s an accident that this debate is being held months ahead of normal. 
Democrats wanted to see if Biden could rally and offer a performance that could drive the support he needs in November.
He needed to show the country only 90 minutes of coherence and strength. 
And Biden didn’t deliver. 
Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter: @Ingrid_Jacques