But ahead of Thursday’s first 2024 debate between Trump and Biden, none of these prior statements appear to apply anymore.
According to Trump and his surrogates, Biden is suddenly an accomplished debater who “destroyed” Ryan in that 2012 debate — and whose State of the Union signaled an ability to rise to the occasion when the bright lights are upon him.
It’s normal for politicians and their campaigns to raise expectations for their opponents ahead of a debate. But Trump’s reversals have been as breathtaking and rapid as they have been transparent.
The 2012 Biden-Ryan debate
Thursday: “All I can say is this: I watched him with Paul D. Ryan, and he destroyed Paul D. Ryan. Paul D. Ryan with the water, he was chugging water left and right.”
After the 2012 debate: “Pretty even debate- no knockouts. However Ryan’s closing statement somewhat stronger. What do you think?”
Pretty even debate- no knockouts. However Ryan’s closing statement somewhat stronger. What do you think? #VPDebate
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2012
Thursday: “I’m not underestimating him. … I assume he’s going to be somebody that will be a worthy debater.”
Saturday: “He’s sleeping now, because they want to get him good and strong. So a little before debate time, he gets a shot in the ass. … I’m sure he’ll be prepared.” (There is no evidence that Biden has used or is planning to use performance-enhancing drugs, despite Trump’s repeated suggestions.)
May 15: “Crooked Joe Biden is the WORST debater I have ever faced – He can’t put two sentences together!”
May 15: “I really think he has to debate. He might as well get it over with. Probably, we should do it early so that he can — you know, he’s not going to get any better.”
May 17: “He can’t walk. Can’t find his way off a stage. Can’t put two sentences together.”
Biden’s State of the Union
Potential Trump running mate and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) on Sunday: “This guy has got the ability, and we’ve seen it. We’ve seen him in debate four years ago. We’ve seen him in the State of the Union this year — that when he needs to, he can step up. … I think America sort of looks at the State of the [Union]. He stood up, and he spoke strongly for over an hour.”
Trump during the speech: “He was very angry and that’s also a symptom of a certain type of problem — senility … He got through it. He is still breathing, and they didn’t have to carry him out in a straitjacket. Other than that, I think he did a terrible job.”
Trump on March 16: “One of the worst speeches anybody here has ever heard.”
Trump on March 9: “All you had to do is watch that horrible State of the Union — it was the worst president in history, making the worst State of the Union speech in history.”
