COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — WFAA met with representatives of the Collin County Young Republicans and Young Democrats Wednesday night to get their take on President Biden's speech. The speech, where Biden said, "I've decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That's the best way to unite our nation."
Democrats and Republicans, not surprisingly, saw the President's speech differently. Both sides agreed that Biden looked a lot better than he did during the debate.
"He is more lively. But, I feel like he's very rehearsed," said Desiree Brown of the Collin County Young Republicans.
"He's definitely 100% here and coherent...nothing close to the debate," said Ryan Morehead of the Collin County Young Democrats.
Wednesday's speech was the proverbial 'passing of the torch' to his Vice President Kamala Harris. Over the last several months questions surrounding Biden's age and mental fitness have ruled the headlines.
"He's very convicted in his decision. He made the best decision for the country," said Morehead.
Desiree Brown said she expected a different type of speech on Wednesday night. She didn't expect it to be ten minutes long.
"It feels too campaigny to me. It feels like he's not solid in his decision to step away," said Brown. "My original thought was 'Hey, I'm stepping down. I'm passing this to Kamala.' He's talking a lot about himself," she said.
Young democrat Claire Magavern felt the speech 'went by fast.' She felt the President did a good job of highlighting his accomplishments while addressing the 'task at hand.'
"Everything is on the line: guns, safety, climate change, ...and reproductive rights," said Magavern.
Neither side knew what to expect out of the President's speech Wednesday night. Brown took umbrage with the President's notion of 'preserving our democracy' by voting for Democrats and Kamala Harris.
"I am surprised he did not mention Trump by name or MAGA supporters," said Brown.
Both Claire and Ryan are very encouraged by Kamala Harris and feel she has re-energized a base that badly needed a jolt. The democrats heard Wednesday's speech and saw sacrifice for the sake of the party and the country. The Republicans say they saw just another stump speech and a reminder that they say, the President was unfit to serve.