Two New York Times columnists are under fire for their past analysis of the Trump-Biden debate, following remarks by Jill Biden. The former first lady recently revealed she thought her husband was “having a stroke” during the debate.
The debate in June 2024 shocked many due to Joe Biden’s performance, leading to his withdrawal from the presidential race shortly after. During an interview with CBS News, Jill Biden expressed her fear watching the debate, believing her husband was experiencing a stroke.
The Atlantic reported that Jill Biden suggested in an excerpt from her book that her husband might have been “drugged.” These claims prompted a backlash against her comments.
Former First Lady Jill Biden is facing criticism for expressing concern that Joe Biden had a stroke during the CNN presidential debate in June 2024.
Old critiques by Times columnists have resurfaced in light of Jill Biden’s statements. Jamelle Bouie offered a summary of the debate, describing both President Biden and Donald Trump as incoherent, with no clear winner.
Fellow Times columnist Lydia Polgreen expressed a similar view. She criticized the debate as a debacle for Biden, highlighting issues with his audibility and responses, particularly on key issues.
New York Times columnists Jamelle Bouie and Lydia Polgreen initially described the Trump-Biden debate in 2024 as a “draw.”
Bouie and Polgreen’s views were outnumbered by their colleagues, who largely declared Trump the debate’s winner. Critics have since questioned the columnists’ earlier claim.
Dan McLaughlin from the National Review shared an image of The Times’ scoring chart, pointing out the disparity in perception. His post quickly attracted attention, leading to reactions from media figures. CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski, among others, reacted with humor to the situation.
Fox News Digital reached out to Bouie and Polgreen for comment on their past assessment of the debate. Both have yet to respond.
Story coverage by Joseph A. Wulfsohn, media reporter for Fox News Digital. Tips can be sent to [email protected] or on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.