(WENY) -- It is back to the campaign trail after last night’s first presidential debate. Both candidates are being critiqued for Thursday night’s performance, the first time they have faced off in a debate since 2020. 

“Former President Trump was something of his usual self,” Dr. Jim Twombly, a political analyst, said. “He was a little more subdued than he’s been on the campaign trail lately or even in some of his past debates....as for Joe Biden, many had hoped he would have a better performance and I think many in the political world are saddened by the fact that he did not meet expectations.” 

Dr. Twombly said President Joe Biden’s performance during the debate is a short-tern blow to his campaign. 

“The strategy here, supposedly, was to get out of the box early and show that he didn’t have an age issue in the way many people thought he did,” he said. “But he wasn’t successful at dispelling that concern.”  

Dr. Twombly said online chatter during the debate included many negative observations about Biden’s ability to perform at a high level against his opponent. The concerns could also spell trouble for the Democratic National Committee. 

“There’s virtually no way that isn’t very, very messy for the Democratic National Committee to replace him on the ticket,” he said. “It would have to be with his acquiescence, and I don’t see that being forthcoming.”  

As for former President Donald Trump, two upcoming events could overshadow last night’s debate performance. On Monday, The United States Supreme Court will issue a ruling on the presidential immunity case. On July 11th, Trump’s sentencing, after his conviction on 34 counts in his New York hush money trial. 

“How much sentencing he gets may play into what voters perceive of him,” he said. 

Overall, Dr. Twombly said the consensus is that last night’s debate was disappointing to watch across the board. 

“As an American, you have to wonder, ‘Is this the best we can do,’” he said.  

It is still early. Dr. Twombly said it is going to take a few days for the American people to see what impact the debate has on the polls.