The first general election presidential debate of 2024 between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has ignited a flurry of reactions from Hollywood stars and celebrities, prompting many of them to take to social media to voice their opinions.
Biden, who had hoped the debate would shift the momentum of a campaign he appears to be narrowly trailing, struggled significantly throughout the evening. His performance was marked by hesitancy, halting responses, and a hoarse voice, which undermined his efforts to present a strong, decisive image.
The debate, held in Atlanta and broadcast by CNN, was intended as a pivotal moment for Biden’s campaign. Instead, it left the Democratic Party reeling, with many questioning the president’s ability to maintain his position at the top of the ticket.
While some celebrities voiced their support for Biden on social media following the debate, many people said the president performed poorly against Trump.
Rapper Ja Rule expressed disappointment with both candidates, writing on X, “This can’t be our only choice of candidates… WTF.”
This can’t be our only choice of candidates… 🤦🏾♂️ WTF
— Ja Rule (@jarule) June 28, 2024
Singer and actress Bette Midler, a staunch Democratic supporter, condemned Trump’s performance, describing it as “Fear and grievance, ad infinitum.”
Fear and grievance, ad infinitum. The best environmental numbers! Jesus Christ. Every word out of his mouth is a lie. Every single word.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) June 28, 2024
Midler criticized Trump for lying, saying, “Every word out of his mouth is a lie. Every single word.”
The Worst President In The History of The United States. The absolute worst, Donald Trump, now and forever.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) June 28, 2024
She praised Biden for answering questions despite his weakened voice due to a cold, noting, “I leaned in and heard him fine.”
Well, #JoeBiden answered the questions, Trump never did. He feinted, he wove, he dodged, he lied. Biden, his voice weakened by a cold, answered the questions, softly, but still. I leaned in and heard him fine.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) June 28, 2024
Comedian Jamie Kennedy was less forgiving of Biden’s performance, pointing to the president’s sometimes-uneven delivery.
Kennedy shared a photo of Biden with a confused expression, stating, “Guy is running for his 2nd term, has no idea he is in his first.”
I am a registered INDEPENDENT! But If you’re a DEM or a liberal, and you think Biden can sign you up for NETFLIX, let alone be the leader of the free world, then move to the North Pole and get an apartment with the Easter Bunny.
— Jamie Kennedy (@JamieKennedy) June 28, 2024
He expressed pity for Biden, calling out those pushing him to run as “morally corrupted people.”
I agree, I feel bad for Biden. He ain’t there man. And anyone who is on his team and saying he is are and pushing him to run are complete liars and morally corrupted people.
— Jamie Kennedy (@JamieKennedy) June 28, 2024
The Dems and Libs are in so much trouble I wouldn’t be surprised if they started burning the city’s tonite.
— Jamie Kennedy (@JamieKennedy) June 28, 2024
Michael Ian Black of “Wet Hot American Summer” was blunt in his critique, writing, “I don’t see how Biden survives this. If he stays in, he looks like the a**hole.” He even suggested it might be “the worst debate performance of a sitting president in United States history.”
I don’t see how Biden survives this. If he stays in, he looks like the asshole.
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) June 28, 2024
Fair to say this was the worst debate performance of a sitting president in United States history?
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) June 28, 2024
I honestly didn’t think presidential debates mattered. I have never been so wrong. We’re seeing the Biden presidency collapse in real time.
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) June 28, 2024
Trump supporter and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner labeled Biden a “total and complete failure and clearly in major mental decline,” urging followers to “Vote accordingly!”
Joe Biden is a total and complete failure and clearly in major mental decline. Vote accordingly! @TeamTrump
MAGA🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) June 28, 2024
Some celebrities defended Biden while criticizing CNN’s moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
Sophia Bush questioned why the moderators didn’t fact-check Trump’s statements, saying, “None of us can believe the s**t coming out of Trump’s mouth.”
None of us can believe the shit coming out of Trump’s mouth. And I’d wager none of us can fathom why none of the moderators are fact checking Trump’s stream of lies? https://t.co/C3AkUH5euk
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) June 28, 2024
Barbra Streisand also expressed frustration with the moderators, asking, “What is wrong with these two moderators who let Trump change the subject?”
What is wrong with these two moderators who let Trump change the subject? They ask him a question, but then let him go on a rampage about something else. Not fair!
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) June 28, 2024
Actor Mark Hamill defended Biden, and criticized Trump, calling him “a convicted felon, serial liar & adjudicated rapist who is unfit for ANY office.”
One off night doesn’t change the fact that @JoeBiden is the most legislatively successful @POTUS in our lifetime. One off night also doesn’t change the fact that the former guy is a convicted felon, serial liar & adjudicated rapist who is unfit for ANY office. Period.
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) June 28, 2024
