Joe Biden “has a cold”, campaign team sources have claimed as the 81-year-old president faces scrutiny over his debate performance.

The incumbent president had two notable moments where he appeared to struggle to get his words out, with his political foe, Donald Trump, even suggesting his opponent “doesn’t know what he’s doing”.

Biden appeared to speak with a raspy voice when he took on questions from CNN host Jake Tapper.

And according to NBC reporter Kelly O’Donnell, two sources familiar with the situation say “President Biden has a cold”.

Joe Biden

Social media users were quick to hit out at the claim, including right-wing political commentator Mike Cernovich, who branded it a “mop up operation”.

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