The first time Joe Biden ran for president, it was hard to shut him up, which contributed to his early departure. Now running his mouth may be the president’s one way to save his job.

Biden faces that kind of politically existential choice after his widely panned June 27 debate performance against former President Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican nominee-in-waiting. Throughout the 90-minute-plus faceoff in Georgia, Biden’s voice was soft and raspy, and he spoke with little vigor or energy. Biden, 81, further stumbled over prepared lines meant to reinforce his administration’s accomplishments over 3 1/2 years.