 The audience laughed when Biden said he nearly fell asleep on the debate stage. He said it wasn't an excuse, but it was an explanation. It's the most detailed Biden has gotten into semi-publicly on his lackluster debate performance. Deepa Shivaram, NPR News, the White House. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it is quote legitimate to ask whether Biden's poor performance at the debate was a one-time issue or whether it was a quote condition.