During a recent press briefing, President Joe Biden’s comments sparked attention and concern when he expressed hesitation in taking questions from reporters, fearing he would “get in trouble.” The moment occurred at the announcement of a new task force focused on reducing costs for American families. Biden, 81, appeared somewhat confused during the event, saying, “I have a lot of questions.
I better not start the questions. I’ll get in trouble,” which led to some laughter from those present. He then took a notable pause, sighing into the microphone, followed by a brief period of silence as he looked forward aimlessly. The briefing concluded with Biden making an inaudible remark as reporters tried to get in more questions, adding to the unusual nature of the event. This incident prompted reactions from various quarters, including former Democratic party campaign advisor Peter Daou, who expressed his concern about Biden’s well-being.
The event came in the wake of White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s strong defense of Biden’s mental sharpness, countering a question about his use of notecards during public appearances. Jean-Pierre highlighted the President’s achievements, emphasizing his successful tenure and the impact of his policies on American lives, rather than addressing the notecard inquiry directly.
This is not the first time Biden’s interactions with the media have been scrutinized. He has previously mentioned being cautioned by his team against extensive press engagement, hinting at potential consequences for not adhering to such advice. These instances have fueled ongoing debates about Biden’s cognitive endurance, especially following recent controversies over his management of classified documents.
A special counsel’s investigation into Biden’s handling of classified materials concluded without recommending charges, describing him as “a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.” Yet, this and other episodes of confusion or misspeaking have continued to raise questions about his cognitive health.
For example, a recent slip where Biden confused Mexico with Egypt during a press conference has only added to the speculation regarding his mental sharpness. Public concern over Biden’s age and capability for a potential second term has been growing, as evidenced by polls reflecting a significant portion of the US population questioning his fitness for re-election. An ABC News/Ipsos poll indicated that 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old for another term, with similar age-related concerns also being expressed about former President Donald Trump by 59% of respondents.
