KATHMANDU: Following a heated discussion between Republican opponent Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, Biden's behavior and approach have drawn harsh criticism from Democratic friends and spectators. Critics point to a number of choices made by top advisors, some of which they felt ignored, including worries about Biden's health and preparedness. Key figures like Anita Dunn and Bob Bauer, who played Trump in preparations, have been singled out for blame.

Despite initial confidence and rigorous debate preparations at Camp David, Biden's lackluster showing prompted calls for introspection within his campaign. The debate, marked by Trump's repeated falsehoods and Biden's perceived fumbling, led to stagnant poll numbers and internal party discussions about Biden's future as a candidate.

Biden's team, believing they had momentum after his recent international trips, faced unexpected challenges. Critics argue that the focus on detailed preparation should have centered more on Biden's broader vision and well-being. Biden's appearance and performance on stage were widely critiqued as uncharacteristically weak and incoherent.

While Biden's immediate bounce-back with a strong speech in North Carolina rallied some support, questions linger within the Democratic Party about his candidacy moving forward. Discussions about potential alternatives for 2024 reflect ongoing concerns about Biden's ability to effectively campaign and lead.