Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the presidential debate Thursday between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden a “rough night” for Biden during CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.

Moore, joining the program from Milwaukee, where he is campaigning for Biden as a surrogate, emphasized that even though he believed Biden’s performance to be poor, he does not think Biden’s presidential abilities should be overlooked.

“I got a chance to see the president when times were difficult, and I have seen him be able to be a remarkable partner to us, and that is what I remember. And that is why I continue to believe the Biden administration deserves another four years,” Moore said. “I am excited for what that can do for the American people.”

Moore, a Democrat, cited what he said was record-low unemployment, wage increases, protection of workers’ rights and an increase in Black wealth in the country as performance metrics Biden has achieved since taking office in 2021.

Since the debate, the president’s age and mental performance have been a national topic of conversation.

Biden, 81, had a raspy voice and spoke softly, which his campaign said was the result of a cold. Biden sometimes mumbled, got tongue-tied or lost his train of thought.

A moment in the debate that made rounds on social media shows Biden talking about women being murdered and raped by undocumented migrants in his answer to a question about abortion — a topic CBS anchor Margaret Brennan pointed out is important for Democrats.

She said Biden showed difficulty making some of his points when answering questions, and she asked Moore why he believed the president struggled.

Moore said Biden was having a difficult night “like every single one of us do.”

“That wasn’t a great moment for the president, and no one can argue that,” Moore said. “He was also standing feet away from somebody who was debating whether or not reproductive rights should be six weeks or that any politicians should have a say about what happens with a woman and her body when that conversation should stay exclusively between her and her doctor.”

Brennan emphasized that surrogates like Moore are on the campaign trail advocating for Biden more than the president himself is against 78-year-old Trump. She questioned Moore on whether he believes there are viable, young Democratic candidates who could serve as an alternative to Biden on the ballot in November.

She asked whether Moore would pursue the presidential nomination should Biden take himself out of the race, to which Moore said no.

“I will not, and Joe Biden is not going to take himself out of this race, nor should he,” Moore said.

He continued, “I do think that President Biden has earned the respect of Democrats, and Joe Biden is going to be our leader going forward.”

Moore noted that he will continue to “proudly” serve on Biden’s campaign to assist the president in securing reelection.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.