Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – After the recent debate between former President Trump and President Biden, the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board has called on Trump to withdraw from the race. The editorial criticized Trump for a “bombastic litany of lies” during the debate and suggested that he should step aside.
While Biden’s debate performance also faced criticism, with some media outlets and members of the Democratic Party suggesting he should withdraw, the Inquirer emphasized that Trump should be the one to bow out. They highlighted concerns about Trump’s potential for another four years in office, citing “lies, grievance, narcissism, and hate” as key issues.
The editorial board argued that Trump did not deserve a spot on the debate stage and questioned the decision to give him a platform. Despite acknowledging Biden’s struggles during the debate, they noted that even on his worst day, Biden remains a better candidate than Trump. The Inquirer praised Biden for surrounding himself with experienced aides who value public service and for his belief in the best of America.
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, defended the former president’s debate performance, calling it the “greatest debate performance in history.” However, other news outlets, such as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The New York Times, have called on Biden to drop out, citing concerns about his failure to outline his platform and respond effectively to Trump’s provocations.
The New York Times characterized Biden’s candidacy as a “reckless gamble” and criticized his performance during the debate. The editorial board questioned Biden’s ability to explain his second-term goals, respond to Trump’s attacks, and hold him accountable for his actions. They suggested that Biden’s greatest public service at this point would be to announce that he will not seek re-election.