ARLINGTON, Va. — It was a presidential debate to remember.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are back on the campaign trail after the first debate hosted by CNN on Thursday night.
Trump unleashed a litany of false and unchecked claims. However, Biden’s rocky and lackluster performance is sparking widespread concern over if he's fit to serve another term.
In a campaign rally in North Carolina following the debate, Biden acknowledged he underperformed against Trump, but he vowed to stay in the race.
“I don’t debate as well as I used to,” the president said. “I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with my whole soul I could do this job.”
There was panic within the Democratic party moments into the debate as Biden stumbled and paused through his answers.
Several Democratic lawmakers defended Biden by blasting Trump for his repeated lies during the 90-minute debate.
“You know, it wasn't his best debate performance, but we're just going to keep forging ahead,” said Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York. “He is not going to be judged by less than 90 minutes of a debate against someone who has proven himself over and over again to be a perpetual liar.”
The performance by Biden is still cause for concern for voters and political watchers including George Mason University Associate Professor Jeremy Mayer.
About three weeks ago, Mayer wrote an op-ed in USA Today that calls on Biden to step down.
“Joe Biden had perhaps the worst debate in presidential history,” Mayer told WUSA9. “Being that inarticulate, that prone to confusion confirmed any doubt Americans had about Joe Biden. Biden should drop out for the good of the Democratic party.”
Mayer said Democrats should have an open convention this August to help build up excitement.
He believes Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper would make for great candidates against Trump.
They're also from key swing states.
Voters in Arlington also weighed in.
“We shouldn't be too quick to throw Biden under the bus and try to find a replacement because I think that he's ideology is good,” said Democratic voter Aidan Phipps.
“I think I made up my mind even before the debate,” said Arlington resident Travis Kupp. “I think I'm more concerned about apathy from other Democratic voters if they see this and get the sense that they don't feel like the Democratic party is taking seriously enough the threat from the Republican presumptive nominee Trump
“I was leaning towards Biden but when I see what was happening, now I don't know,” said Arlington resident Brittany Rogers. “I'm not sure.”