(AURN NEWS) - President Joe Biden's underwhelming performance in Thursday night's debate has sent ripples through Democratic circles, potentially reshaping the landscape of the 2024 presidential race and raising questions about the party's strategy moving forward. The debate, which saw Biden struggling with a hoarse voice and at times - meandering responses, highlighted a stark contrast with former President Donald Trump. Will President Biden’s weak showing during Thursday night’s debate shake up the race? That's the big question many Democrats are asking after the debate which wasn’t Biden’s strongest moment in the 2024 election.

A pre-debate poll conducted by Leger and the New York Post revealed a virtual tie between the two candidates, with Biden holding a slim lead of 45% to Trump's 43%. Perhaps more telling, 39% of Americans believed that Trump would ultimately win the election, compared to 32% for Biden. The same survey indicated that 42% of respondents expected Trump to win the debate, while only 29% anticipated a Biden victory.

In response to growing concerns about the President's performance, NBC News reports that the White House has attributed Biden's struggles to a cold. As the Democratic National Convention in Chicago approaches this August, speculation is mounting about the possibility of an open convention. The debate performance and subsequent fallout come at a critical juncture in the campaign, with both candidates seeking to solidify their base while appealing to undecided voters. With only five months to go before Election Day, this is a critical moment for the Biden campaign as they plan their next steps forward.

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