WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a post-debate press conference, President Joe Biden attributed his lackluster performance in the latest debate to an ill-timed international trip, citing severe jet lag as the primary culprit. According to Biden, the grueling travel schedule left him teetering on the edge of sleep during critical moments on stage.
Biden’s Sleepy Admission
“I’ll be honest, folks. I almost fell asleep up there,” Biden admitted. “Jet lag is no joke. I had just flown in from a summit in Europe, and I think I was on hour 48 without solid sleep. I only managed to get 12 hours of sleep instead of my usual 16.”
Visible Signs of Fatigue
Observers noted several instances during the debate where Biden appeared visibly fatigued. At one point, he paused mid-sentence, eyes fluttering, before being jolted awake by a particularly loud noise from the debate stage.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts quickly analyzed the admission, suggesting that Biden’s international travel itinerary might need some adjustments. “Scheduling a debate the day after a transatlantic flight wasn’t the best idea,” said pundit Alex Bronstein. “It’s challenging to focus on domestic issues when your body clock thinks it’s 3 a.m. in Brussels.”
White House Response
The President’s team emphasized Biden’s dedication to global diplomacy while hinting at plans to ensure he’s well-rested for future engagements. “The President is deeply committed to his work on the world stage,” said Press Secretary Jean Jones. “But we’re also exploring ways to ensure he’s fully alert for critical domestic engagements.”
Opponents Seize the Opportunity
Biden’s opponents seized the opportunity to comment on the situation. “If he can’t stay awake during a debate, how can he stay awake for the important issues facing our country?” quipped one rival, adding, “Maybe it’s time for Sleepy Joe to reconsider his schedule.”
Social Media Reactions
Social media quickly reacted with memes and jokes, ranging from photoshopped images of Biden snoozing in various historical moments to mock ad campaigns for presidential sleep aids.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Biden remains optimistic about his future debate performances. “I promise you, next time I’ll be wide awake and ready to go,” he assured, before concluding the press conference with a chuckle and a request for “a strong cup of Joe.”