The voice of the president of the United States, Joe Bidensounded hoarser and harsher than usual during the debate with her rival, the former Republican president donald trumpbecause he has been fighting a flu in recent days, according to a source familiar with the campaign who spoke to EFE.
Biden had spent the last few days at the Camp David presidential complex preparing for this debate, crucial to demonstrate to voters that he can carry out the job of the Presidency despite being the oldest president in the history of the United States, at 81 years old. .
President appeared to have difficulty with his diction at several points during the debatethe first ahead of the November 5 elections and which takes place in the CNN studios in Atlanta.
Right from the start, Biden cleared his throat several times and also coughed repeatedlya condition that his presidential physician, Kevin O’Connor, has previously explained is caused by acid reflux.
According to a report O’Connor published in February, Biden experiences “occasional symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, primarily having to clear his throat more frequently.”
These symptoms, O’Connor wrote, “They typically worsen shortly after meals.” The president takes Pepcid in the morning and Nexium at night for “acid control,” according to the doctor.
Furthermore, during the debate, Biden slurred or repeated his words on several occasions, something that is an effect of the stuttering he suffered as a child and which he managed to overcome with great discipline, although it has returned on some occasions in recent years.
In an appearance on CNN in February 2020, Biden acknowledged that he “occasionally” still suffers from a stutterespecially when he is very tired.
Biden’s performance in the debate could have repercussions within the Democratic Party, a source close to the party told EFE.
According to the source, there are likely to be two reactions within the party: on the one hand, some might choose to “turn a blind eye and deny reality”, while another faction might “realise the situation and try to solve the problem”.
In the opinion of that source, Biden has projected an image of lack of preparationrevealing the weight of the years and showing difficulties in communicating to voters the progress that the country has experienced in recent years.
