People on X and other platforms pushed back hard, mocking Watters and accusing him of misunderstanding Jill's credentials and overstepping. Critics called his remarks tone-deaf and questioned his attacks on the former first lady.
Jill had said she did not know what happened during the 90-minute debate, admitting she feared Joe might be having a stroke and felt frightened. The exchange left many discussing Joe's pauses and raspy voice as he faced Trump, and the fallout included sharp comments from Donald Trump on Truth Social accusing Jill of not acting and claiming he knew the reason behind Joe's trouble.