The View hosts urge Joe Biden to step down after ‘troubling’ presidential debate

View hosts reacted to President Joe Biden’s shaky first presidential debate with former President Donald Trump by calling on Biden to concede if Democrats hope to win the 2024 election.

During the 90-minute debate on Thursday (June 27), Biden repeatedly stuttered during his answers while Trump continued to brazenly spew lies and falsehoods.

“Most of us are in mourning,” talk show co-host Sunny Hostin, 55, said on Friday morning’s episode.

Co-host Joy Behar, 81, said that despite Trump lying “dozens of times,” he did so “in a nice, clear voice.” She also called on Biden, also 81, to step down and allow another Democratic candidate to run against Trump.

“It pains me a little to say this today, but I believe President Biden needs to step down and be replaced if we want to beat Donald Trump in November,” agreed Sara Haines, further arguing that Democrats need to stop defending Biden by “spinning the age issue.”

Biden’s age has been a subject of constant concern throughout his presidency, with people questioning whether he is physically and mentally fit enough to continue leading the country.

“I think the Biden team saw this coming,” Haines continued. “I think that’s why they pushed for an earlier debate so they have time to change course if they need to, but they have to act quickly. I am imploring those closest to the president to have these very difficult conversations that they will need to have. Not only because of the political consequences, for humanity, for integrity and for his legacy. It’s all on the line now.”

Alyssa Farah Griffin, who previously worked on Trump’s communications team before resigning in 2020, chimed in, saying she was “truly shocked” to watch the debate, adding that it was “extremely worse” than expected.

“Donald Trump was a mess. He lied, but Joe Biden’s performance was so bad that it overshadowed anything Donald Trump said,” Griffin said. “He needs to put the country before his own ambitions and step down and pass the baton.”

Ana Navarro countered her co-host’s belief that Biden should concede, saying: “Until Joe Biden tells me he’s giving up, I’m not giving up on Joe Biden. For me, the binary choice remains the same. Yesterday he looked old, he sounded old, he is an old man, but the choice is no different. It’s a very old man versus a very bad man.

“I won’t judge Joe Biden by 90 bad minutes, I’ll judge Joe Biden by his career of putting this country first,” she said.

Although Biden’s poor showing has reportedly caused “deep panic” within his party, he has no plans to withdraw from the legislature and intends to participate in a second debate in September.

Several other stars responded to the debate, including Bette Midler and Roseanne Barr.

“Fear and grief endlessly,” Midler, a prominent Democratic supporter, said of Trump on social media. “Every word out of his mouth is a lie. Every word.”

Meanwhile, actor and comedian Barr wrote on Twitter: “As a MAGA and pro-American… I take no joy in this debate. Biden is clearly not here. It is sad. Obama is sacrificing his friend to promote his radical policies and I don’t want any of us to celebrate after that.

“Yes, Trump is definitely the better choice… but instead, let’s take this moment to pray for our country.”