28 June 2024 , 02:10
1153
0
People in the auditorium for CNN's presidential debate "put their head in their hands" and audibly gasped when they heard Joe Biden speak on Thursday night. But it was not due to what he said, but rather because of how he said it.
Mirror US' reporter in the room Jeremiah Hassel, said people around them "audibly gasped" when the President started talking, with his voice sounding quiet and laboured. As Biden meandered through his opening remarks on the economy, Jerry said: "Every time he speaks, people put their heads in their hands or shake them in exasperation."
This will not be how the Biden team wanted to kick off the first presidential debate, which is being held in Georgia, a state where Trump also happens to be facing federal charges. Concerns over 81-year-old Joe Biden's health have dogged the early part of the 2024 campaign, with speech gaffes and absent moments causing almost half of voters to think he is too old to hold the highest office in the United States.
The reasons for Biden's raspy voice, which often sounds like he needs to clear his throat, are multiple. As a man in his 80s, it could simply be old age, but he has said previously that it is in part due to a medical condition.
Joe Biden and Donald Trump faced off in the first 2024 presidential debate, but his voice made some supporters put their heads in their hands (CBS News)It is well known that, as a teenager, Joe Biden had to overcome a severe stutter, which is in part a reason for his sometimes stuttering or disjointed speech, unrelated to his age. However with a 50-year record in public service, many will have noticed that his speech has become significantly worse in recent years.
Michelle Mone's husband gifted Tories 'over £171k' as Covid PPE row rumbles on
Who do you think would make a better President? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
With both men neck and neck in national polls, each wanted to have a breakthrough moment, but this wobbly start was less than ideal for the president, who has faced this issue before. When it came up previously, the Scranton-born President's doctor said that the "frog in his throat" is likely in part due to acid reflux, a common issue in older people.
As the debate progressed and former President Trump, 78, squared off with current President Biden, the latter's voice did improve as the pair sparred over the economy and women's rights. When abortion and the abolition of Roe V Wade came up, Biden's voice strengthened as he spoke about its dire impact on women's health.
But people on social media were quick to jump on Biden's croaky and phlegmy voice. One user wrote: "Biden sounds like he's got a cold. His voice is scratchy," while a second chimed in: "What's up with Biden’s voice?"
A third added: "Biden has bad phlegmy voice," while a fourth wrote: "Biden's voice sounds bad. Not a good sign."
Sources close to the Biden campaign confirmed after the debate that the President has had a cold for the past few days, contributing to his raspy voice, but has tested negative for Covid.