Is Joe Biden sick? First presidential debate viewers surprised at hoarse voice

President Joe Biden started the first presidential debate with a noticeably hoarse voice.

Biden and former president Donald Trump are facing one another yet again after two debates in 2020. They started out discussing inflation and abortion. But many online took notice of Biden's raspy voice as he delivered his early answers.

Pollster Frank Luntz, who is conducting a focus group on the showdown, said on X: "My focus group of undecided voters is surprised and concerned about Biden’s voice. This doesn’t bode well for questions about his health."

Candidates are allowed a water bottle at the lectern, along with a a pen and a pad of paper.

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Biden freeze sparks backlash on Twitter

Biden freezing on stage when discussing healthcare quickly drew fire on X, formerly Twitter.

“Sorry, I’m voting for President Biden but a disaster so far,” wrote Mike Murphy, a Republican strategist and NBC News analyst, on the platform.

Stephen Hayes, editor and CEO of The Dispatch, tweeted, “Let the Dem panic begin.”

Biden was 'healthy' and 'robust' at this year's physical

Biden had a yearly physical in February, according to the results published by the White House.

"President Biden is a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency," according to the report.

The report indicated Biden had been responding well to treatment for sleep apnea, a condition which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, according to the president's doctors. The report also showed some mild arthritic changes that contributes to his stiffened gate.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Biden sick? Debate viewers take note of hoarse voice