President Biden says he almost ‘fell asleep on stage’ during debate

President Biden is providing an explanation for his poor performance in the debate. Donald Trump … He said his travel schedule left him feeling breathless and sleepy.

Biden offered up the excuse at a campaign fundraiser in McLean, Virginia, on Tuesday … and said he almost fell asleep on the debate stage.

The president blamed his lack of energy on extensive travel in the weeks leading up to Thursday’s first presidential debate, including a trip to France in early June to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Biden told the room, “I decided to travel around the world a few times…shortly before the debate…I didn’t listen to my staff…and then I was virtually on stage Asleep”…according to the fundraiser’s pool report.

Remember…Biden went to France the first week of June and flew to California for a huge event Los Angeles Fundraiser June 15, and then spent a week preparing for the debate at Camp David on June 27.

Biden told supporters he was not offering excuses but explanations … and went on to apologize for his debate performance while stressing the importance of defeating Trump at the ballot box.

Of note… The debate begins at 9 p.m. Axios National Political Correspondent Alex Thompson Join us Monday on “TMZ Live” and tell us Biden is sharpest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and prone to psychological errors Later in the day.