NEW YORK – Greek-Americans interviewed by The National Herald about the recent presidential debate focused on the problematic image projected by President Joe Biden and the possibility of his being replaced as a candidate by the Democrats, considering how what voters saw last week threatens to overshadow the election campaign.

“It’s a shame for a superpower like the USA that the voters’ choice has come down to these two individuals. I’m ashamed as an American citizen,” stated Panos Papadopoulos-Seretis, who expressed the opinion that Joe Biden should be replaced to reverse the deteriorating trend for the Democrats. He himself sees benefits from a Trump presidency, however. “Trump mentioned some truths,” he said, “such as inflation being out of control and the U.S. giving over $200 billion to Ukraine. Also, yes, I believe he could stop the war.”

PSEKA Vice President Tasos Zambas also expressed his concern about Joe Biden’s performance in the debate, and declared that Biden should help the situation for the Democrats by voluntarily stepping down – he believes that forcing his replacement would cause serious upheavals within the Democratic Party.

“It was a dark day for America. On one side, a convicted felon, telling lies, and on the other, a man who couldn’t complete his thoughts due to age. It was a sad day. If they force him out, the Democratic Party will fall apart,” but “if he leaves voluntarily, it will be the best solution,” noted Zambas.

Maria Kyrkou, a marketing professional, spoke of Joe Biden’s “saddening image,” and expressed the opinion that Donald Trump played “without opposition.” She continued, “I think Biden’s image saddened us all, our representative president, as he struggled to speak in a debate and couldn’t articulate his words well. He was in poor shape. Trump had no opponent last night because a conversation couldn’t happen.”

Kyrkou added that “Trump was more coherent than in previous debates, and the journalists were also more coherent, with proper questions.”

Activist Dimitris Eleas believes that even with a new candidate, the Democrats are heading for defeat: “The danger for American democracy will return, and the Democrats will be to blame,” he noted, vividly describing the debate as he perceived it. “It was obvious that Biden can’t do it. He struggled a lot. He was constantly talking nonsense. The first 10-20 minutes he seemed lost, not knowing where he was! When Trump spoke, he had his mouth open. Five or six times the camera showed him with his lips open as if he was lost. At the same time, the cold [which caused] hoarseness in his voice made everything worse.”

He continued: “Tonight, the Democrats are considering changing horses mid-race. The battle is already lost anyway. Why? If Americans vote in November for a President based solely on the price of basic goods, they will definitely elect Trump.”

Dr. Nikolaos Sarantopoulos, president and CEO of the Greek-American Bank Community Credit Union of Massachusetts, said that “in this important election year for the United States, there are many questions. One is about President Biden’s ability to serve another term. Personally, I doubt his physical and mental capacity for the next four years. Without being critical of him, [it must be said that] age is a significant factor for a position that requires constant attention and the ability to make important decisions. Beyond that, however, I would suggest that we look at our vote as American citizens a little more deeply. Let’s set aside the theatrical nature of the debates and the vote-seeking bombastic words of the two candidates, and let’s look at the positions of the two parties.”

He added: “I suggest that every voter visit the websites of the two parties, the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee, and read the positions of the parties to decide.”

He then told the author of this article: “Personally, Mr. Kalmoukos, I don’t vote for individuals. I vote for positions regarding the economy, the protection of the USA, our flag, and the Constitution, foreign policy, and the values with which we will educate the next generation. When I became an American citizen, I took the oath to give my allegiance and protect the Constitution of the USA, and that is exactly what I will do with my vote.”

Businessman Nikos Manolis said, “Theodore, we have let the lunatics govern us in this country. You can’t put a man like Biden up there, load him with medication so he doesn’t know where he is or what he is saying, and have the whole world mocking us. It was sad to see him. Aren’t they ashamed of putting him up there? Trump was a hundred times better; he said exactly what he has done and what he will do.”

Businessman Merkourios Angeliadis said, “it’s truly shameful. Poor Biden tried to say something, but he can’t because of his age; he has an illness – I just don’t know. He is a good politician with great experience, but he just can’t do it – he doesn’t have it anymore.”

Fr. Romanos Karanos said, “as a clergyman, of course, I cannot take a position for or against any candidate. The Church honors and prays for all leaders and those in authority. I think the average citizen wants the candidates to possess at least honesty, sincerity, and clarity of mind.”