Joe Biden Set All the Rules in the Debate—And Still Got Trounced by Donald Trump

Hive Team Analysis • Veepstakes Watch Party • Pod Save Stays Positive [View in your browser]( | [Update your preferences](newsletter=vf) [Vanity Fair Hive logo image]( Joe Biden Set All the Rules in the Debate—And Still Got Trounced by Donald Trump It was an ugly night for Joe Biden. After months of anticipation, the president delivered a woefully poor performance against Donald Trump who boasted, blustered, and baited his way through a [debate]( that now has top Democrats wondering if they decided to back the wrong horse. “So many Democrats would’ve made mincemeat of Trump,” as Eric Lutz [recaps](. “Biden found himself litigating the size of Trump’s height and getting cut off...after running up against the rules his own campaign put forth.” Zooming out from the debate chaos, Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor join Brian Stelter on the [latest episode]( of Inside the Hive to discuss the palliative power of comedy in addressing serious threats to democracy—and why it’s more important now than ever to get out the vote. Plus: Lutz [considers]( the fate of Squad member Cori Bush following the primary defeat of Jamaal Bowman, who was bedeviled by accusations of antisemitism over his rhetoric on the Israel-Hamas war. Thanks for reading. [Image may contain: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, People, Person, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, Face, Head, and Photography]( [Joe Biden Set All the Rules in the Debate—And Still Got Trounced by Donald Trump]( By [Eric Lutz]( [The 81-year-old president stumbled, froze up, and fell for foolish back-and-forths, delivering a dismal showing that’s caused some Democrats to reconsider his candidacy altogether.]( [Read more button](   [Debate 2024: All the Highlights From the First Biden-Trump Showdown]( By [Vanity Fair]( [Insights and analysis from the Hive team.]( [Read more button](   [Pod Save America’s Hosts Are Staying Positive About 2024. That Doesn’t Mean They Don’t Fear the Worst]( By [Brian Stelter]( [Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor discuss the importance of civil engagement in a time of mass cynicism, and explain how Americans can keep finding the comedy in the country’s post-Trump tragedy.]( [Read more button](   [Jamaal Bowman’s Loss Doesn’t Lend Itself to Easy Conclusions]( By [Eric Lutz]( [The congressman was weighed down by a lot more than his Israel criticism. And while Cori Bush may suffer the same fate, that doesn’t mean the whole Squad is going down.]( [Read more button](   [Trump VP Hopefuls Flocked to Atlanta]( By [Bess Levin]( [If they want the number two job, they’ll say he was incredible regardless of what happens.]( [Read more button](   Get on the list Subscribe to our Hollywood newsletter for your essential industry and awards-season news, every day. [Sign Up Now](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn](   This e-mail was sent to you by The Hive. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our [Privacy Policy]( [Unsubscribe]( Sent from Condé Nast, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007 Copyright © 2024 Condé Nast