President Joe Biden told donors Tuesday he almost “fell asleep on stage” during his debate against former President Donald Trump last week, blaming excessive international travel prior to the event for his rocky performance—though the president prepared for the debate at Camp David, Maryland, for six days before it took place.
Biden made the statement at a fundraiser Tuesday. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Biden acknowledged his less-than-ideal performance in last week’s debate, saying he “wasn't very smart for traveling around the world a couple times before the debate,” according to a White House pool report.
The president suggested he was very tired heading into the debate, blaming his poor performance on “traveling around the world a couple times,” seemingly referring to trips he took much earlier in June.
Biden also said he “didn’t listen” to his staff before the debate, seemingly referring again to his travel schedule.
Biden did not mention being sick during the debate despite campaign sources claiming last week that he was suffering from a cold.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.