2024’s first presidential debate has caused shockwaves throughout the political landscape, as President Biden put on a historically dreadful performance that has “panicked” many top Democrats. The president’s vigor was so low, that even some of the most vociferous left-leaning pundits broke the line and called on him to step down from the race.
[RELATED: Our View: We Agree With Janet Mills. For the Good of Democracy, Biden Must Stay in the Race…]
As the dust was settling in the debate’s aftermath, Maine’s Second Congressional District (CD2) Republican nominee Rep. Austin Theriault (R-Fort Kent) put out a statement blasting Biden’s performance:
“Tonight, we saw Joe Biden double down on his failures while President Donald Trump demonstrated strong leadership and talked about much-needed change. Despite the mess Mainers face right now, Jared Golden still supports Biden. Unfortunately, Golden put Biden’s politics over the forgotten people of Maine by supporting inflationary spending, soft border policies that bring fentanyl into Maine, and even the crackdown on our lobstermen. I’m running to put people ahead of politics for a change because we deserve a strong economy, a strong border, and strong leadership in Washington,” said Rep. Theriault in a statement.
Following the debate, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine)–Theriault’s competitor in his congressional race–remained silent on Biden’s performance.
Golden has pitched himself as a moderate Democrat, and is a co-chair of the “Blue Dog Coalition,” which is an official House Caucus comprised of Democrats who claim to appeal to the “mainstream values of the American public.”
[RELATED: Theriault Vows No Medicare, Social Security Cuts…]
Theriault then responded to Rep. Golden’s silence with another statement, criticizing his opponent’s continuing support for President Biden.
“My opponent, Jared Golden, still supports Biden and his agenda, and will likely do everything he can to distance himself from him in the coming days. Mainers won’t be fooled,” said Theriault on X.
The Maine Wire has reached out to all four members of Maine’s congressional delegation asking how they viewed Biden’s performance at the debate. We have not received a reply from any of them.
Additionally, no member of the delegation has posted a reaction or statement to social media.
In an awkward twist, Golden for Congress signs could be seen plastered across the stage at a debate watch party in Portland hosted by Governor Mills.
It is unclear whether Golden will maintain his support for the president, or whether he will join in the calls of many Democrats for Biden to remove himself from the race.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="29012 https://www.themainewire.com/?p=29012">18 Comments
Susan Collins is the biggest phony in the state.
Ohhhh, she’s the only Republican from New England in Congress….
Oooooo, she hasn’t missed a vote….
Big deal.
No. She’s not. We have exactly zero Republicans.
She is only interested in her bank accounts and in photo ops.
I have called her office numerous times over the years about serious issues and ALWAYS get the same response: “The Senator has not released a statement on that”.
She’s a coward and has not upheld her oath of office concerning the US Constitution or the Maine State Constitution.
She is so entrenched in the swamp she can’t stand that an outsider is interfering with business as usual and exposing to the public what we suspected for years.
How can I donate to Donald Trump’s campaign without also helping to re-elect Winred candidates like Susan Collins? If you read the WinRed details most Trump campaign sites also siphon donations away from Trump and also support Republicans I would never support.
This is the democrats Willy Horton moment. If they defend this stumbling bumbling moron they look as bad as old President Depends. Please Shelly, please Jared come out and tell us this idiot is “sharp as a tack”. There are some things even pharmaceuticals can’t overcome. Please, please, please Joe stay in the race.
I personally care less than an iota what the ”ME Squad” thinks. They’re reprehensible clowns as are the mainstream media scum who’ve propped up OBiden over the years.
Our leaders, Those who we ELECTED to guide our country and our State failed us, they were in on it, they keep it from it. Hough can we ever trust you again.
Sorry to say Biden has lost his mind but our Bright Bulb Leaders FAILED US. Jaraid, Cheliee, KING, Colins, and the Governor THE INSIDERS, all filled us, lied to us. The all should be replaced NOW.
Golden supports all the democrat policies, no matter who is President. Just keep showing the picture of the three stooges on AF1 with the big guy, all smiles.
Abolish ranked choice voting,….
Without it, we wouldn’t have this golden debacle,….
The democrats claim to support democracy, yet keep taking away our votes,….
…Theriault’s statement tells us all we need to know about ALL of Maine’s delegation to Congress, Golden, King and Collins. Democrat bootlickers!
Has anybody heard any more about “cheap fakes” since the debate? I’m thinking maybe last week’s cheap fakes storm might have embarrassed a few lefties?
He’ll do what ever they tell him to do… he’s a lacky for democraps
Gee, maybe Greens, or Independents, or even Socialists should’ve been allowed to join in the debate….
Of course they’re all silent. They love the theft AND CORUPTION.
After Susan railed against Trump, if he wins shes toast.
Susan Collins is our Senator from North Massachusetts. She represents southern Maine real well and votes on everything Portland wants. Meanwhile she forgets the northern part of Maine 100% She is a stinking piece of work. Holds her finger up to see which way the win is blowing, Not one principled bone in her body.
Hello Susan…. What say ye????
Concerned Citizen
Ease up on carpetbagger Chelle P
She s been busy
Beating Pelosi in the market
Funding/funneling Ukraine
Owning stock in companies that receive misdirected Ukraine funding
Give her props
She s running a corruption masterclass every day, can t be easy
She can t find time to comment, to bust conniving
It’s okay that they remain silent— if they opened their mouths they would just say something stupid.
If and when the truth comes out, Biden will be running for immunity