When Joe Biden cut himself off during the first presidential primary debate, saying, “My time’s up,” it was a self-inflicted wound that sounded like resigned acceptance of a brutal end to his political career. His was a stumbling, ill-prepared, ineffective performance that had his handlers tearing their hair out. Speaking of hair, Biden’s coiffure, not to mention his bleached white teeth, failed to confer the hoped-for air of youth or energy. He just looked past it. He certainly needs to perform strongly in the second debate in Detroit at the end of this month.

Ironically, Biden contrasted most forcefully with someone who was not on the stage with him. That was Elizabeth Warren, who had been in the first debate the night before. She looked fresh and energetic, and it wasn’t surprising to see her poll numbers rise after the debate, as Biden’s and Bernie Sanders’ fell.