A RASPY and sometimes halting US President Joe Biden tried repeatedly to confront Donald Trump in their first debate ahead of the November election.

But the Republican rival countered Mr Biden’s criticism by leaning into falsehoods about the economy, illegal immigration and his role in the January 2021 Capitol insurrection.

Mr Biden’s terrible performance, particularly early in the debate, crystallised the concerns of many US citizens that, at 81, he is too old to serve as president.