Biden disastrous CNN debate performance triggers Democratic calls to step aside

President Biden's performance in the first presidential debate against Donald Trump on CNN, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, shocks Democrats and the nation. Biden speaks haltingly, loses his train of thought multiple times, gives false statistics, and at one point appears to trail off mid-sentence. Trump, despite lying prolifically throughout the debate, appears sharper and more aggressive. Within hours, Democratic donors, elected officials, and media commentators begin calling on Biden to step aside. Biden initially refuses to leave the race. Over the following three weeks, pressure mounts until Biden announces his withdrawal on July 21. The debate is widely seen as the moment that ended Biden's re-election campaign.