No, you didn’t accidentally tune in to an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” rather than the first 2024 presidential debate. Joe Biden and Donald Trump really did spar over golf handicaps and the latter’s weight. Trump’s response, delivered in a decidedly middle school manner, hinted at something long suspected: he’s clinging to claims that he weighs 215 pounds.
In case you missed it, the first debate saw Trump use his golfing talents to prove just how young and sprightly he is. Biden made it clear he didn’t believe that, pointing to what many assume was a misrepresentation of Trump’s weight when he was booked at Fulton County Jail in August 2023. Biden’s critique was muddled with a bit of a gaffe, saying, “You’re going to see he’s 6-foot-5 and only two hundred and twenty thirve pounds.” While Biden’s health might raise red flags, Trump’s reaction was telling — a denial focused exclusively on the height portion of Biden’s comments. “Never said I was 6’5,” Trump retorted. When Biden doubled down, so did Trump, “I never said — I never said that,” shaking his head.
As reported by ABC following Trump’s release from jail, his height was listed at 6-foot-3. However, the fact that Trump wouldn’t address his weight suggests he’s committed to sticking to the 215-pound claim, no matter how implausible it sounds.
Trump’s reported weight became meme fodder in 2023. His self-reported figure, listed during his August 2023 arrest, led many to question its accuracy. Social media users on X, formerly Twitter, juxtaposed images of Trump with athletes of similar height and weight, highlighting discrepancies that suggested Trump’s claim might be dubious.
Despite the skepticism, Trump’s camp stands by the claims made to the Fulton County Jail. In a move reminiscent of middle school antics, Trump’s doctor wrote a letter confirming his weight loss. The letter, posted to Trump’s Truth Social account, stated, “President Trump has reduced his weight through an improved diet and continued daily physical activity, while maintaining a rigorous schedule,” as noted by Reuters. Notably, the letter omitted the exact weight, perhaps conveniently avoiding the “thirve” key.
If this were an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” now would be the moment the theme song played, with all of us looking into the middle distance. Here’s hoping the next debate is less juvenile.
