Many Democrats panic after Biden-Trump debate highlights both candidates’ weaknesses

But Biden’s performance has sent ripples of concern through theDemocratic Party. While House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed calls for Biden to step down from his candidacy, describing the president’s policy achievements as significant, the unease among the political class is palpable, with aides and consultants telling reporters about their fears.

Trump’s barrage of lies extended to his refusal to commit to accepting the election results. When asked directly, he repeatedly dodged the question, saying only that he would accept the results “if it’s a fair and legal and good election,” leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the democratic process. He reiterated the thoroughly debunked claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Trump also misrepresented his role in the events of January 6th, claiming he had urged his supporters to act “peacefully and patriotically” and downplaying the violence that transpired.

Notably absent from the debate was any mention ofLGBTQ+ issues, a surprising omission given the ongoing cultural battles and conservative accusations of indoctrination. About 600 bills targeting LGBTQ+ people have made their way to state legislatures, most of them targeting gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

However, with the choice being democracy or Trumpism, many are warning people not to count Biden out.

Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson urged people to remember Trump’s terrible policies.

“On the debate stage last night, Donald Trump showed us he hasn’t changed one bit – he’s still a vindictive liar out for revenge and a threat to the American people,” Robinson said. “Don’t be distracted. There is too much at stake. This is a race between two fundamentally different visions for our country. While Trump has promised to roll back our hard-fought freedoms, the Biden-Harris Administration is the most pro-equality Administration in history and has worked tirelessly to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans, women, and communities of color.”

Gay New York Democratic U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres put things into perspective.

I have been asked if I am “comfortable” with the debate. A Donald Trump presidency would cause me infinitely greater discomfort than a Joe Biden debate performance,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Christopher Wiggins