President Joe Biden came out swinging at his campaign rally in Detroit, Michigan, on Friday, armed with a volley of zingers against former President Donald Trump, self-deprecating jokes about his own age, a laundry list of his policy accomplishments and plans for a second term, and unabashed defiance against the punditry and members of his own party who have spent weeks raising doubts about his ability to stay in the race.
It was exactly the performance many commenters on social media, including some who had been wavering since his shaky debate with Trump in Atlanta, had been hoping for — and many came out to praise him.
“That was by far, I think, the best performance he’s given since the State of the Union," said MSNBC anchor Chris Hayes. "That’s the Joe Biden that has been a very successful politician and won in 2020.”
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"Biden has a really good crowd in Detroit," wrote independent liberal reporter Aaron Rupar.
"I wonder if, in a weird way, the internecine battle among Democrats could actually end up helping Biden," wrote Never Trump conservative attorney George Conway. "His problem at the debate was, ultimately, he looked weak. But standing up to the calls for him to stand down makes him look kinda … ornery. That’s not necessarily a bad thing."
"He’s definitely bringing some Dark Brandon energy to this rally," wrote former Naval War College professor Tom Nichols — a reference to a long-simmering internet meme about Biden having a "dark" alter ego, that Biden himself has happily incorporated into his campaign merchandise.
"Maybe Biden did just have a bad night at the debate," wrote MSNBC columnist Michael A. Cohen.
"This is the best rally President Biden has had in a long time," wrote attorney and Democratic activist Aaron Parnas. "I’m so fired up and ready to vote for him in November. He is OUR nominee!"
"Joe Biden is knocking it out of the park at his Michigan rally," wrote Democratic strategist Zac Petkanis. "He's energetic & on message with sharp hits on Trump. He's showing us how we're going to win this election, team."
"After @POTUS Biden's campaign rally tonight in Detroit, will the cut-and-run Democrats walk it back?" wrote Trump biographer David Cay Johnston. "Or will those Dems continue helping Trump? All decent people must unite to defeat Donald, the convicted criminal – rapist – insurrectionist - racist - lying - megalomaniac."
