Jill Biden revealed she thought her husband was experiencing a stroke while watching his poor performance during the June 2024 presidential debate, according to ABC News.
The former first lady's fear captured the severity of President Joe Biden's stumbling performance that night. His debate showing sparked intense pressure from Democratic lawmakers, donors, and party officials for him to withdraw from the race. Biden had appeared confused at times, lost his train of thought, and struggled to articulate responses to moderator questions.
The debate marked a turning point in Biden's 2024 campaign. Within days of the poor performance, multiple Democratic senators, including Chuck Schumer and Dianne Feinstein allies, publicly called on Biden to step aside. Obama released a statement expressing concern about the path forward. Major donors paused contributions and questioned whether Biden could win.
Biden initially resisted calls to drop out, releasing a statement the day after the debate defending his performance and pledging to continue his campaign. However, facing mounting pressure and poor polling numbers, Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race on July 21, 2024, just three weeks after the debate.
Vice President Kamala Harris quickly consolidated Democratic support and secured the party's presidential nomination. Her entry into the race energized Democratic voters and shifted the campaign dynamics heading into the general election.
Jill Biden's account of fearing a stroke during the debate underscores how alarming the president's performance appeared in real time. The moment became a watershed instant in the 2024 election, ultimately reshaping the race and determining the Democratic nominee for the general election against Republican Donald Trump.