President Joe Biden, appearing somewhat puzzled, once again acknowledged the potential consequences of taking questions during a press briefing on Tuesday. This admission came shortly after his press secretary vigorously defended his mental acuity in a previous statement. During the launch of a task force aimed at reducing costs for American families, the 81-year-old leader hinted at his reluctance to engage in inquiries, stating, “I have a lot of questions. I better not start the questions. I’ll get in trouble.”
Despite eliciting some laughter from the audience, Biden’s demeanor remained uncertain as he returned the microphone to its place and gazed ahead with a vacant expression, disregarding attempts by a reporter to pose additional queries as they departed.
A vocal critic of Biden’s conduct, former Democratic party campaign advisor Peter Daou, expressed concern, declaring, “Oh my Lord. This man is not well,” on X.
Earlier, Biden’s peculiar behavior unfolded following White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s rebuke of a reporter who inquired about the president’s reliance on notecards during public appearances. While the reporter refrained from suggesting any implications regarding Biden’s mental acuity, Jean-Pierre swiftly came to his defense. Dismissing the question, she countered, “You’re upset because the President has note cards? You’re asking me a question about the President having note cards? The President who has had probably one of the most successful first three years of an administration than any modern-day president? He’s done more in the first three years than most presidents who had the two terms.”
Jean-Pierre’s emphasis shifted toward highlighting Biden’s accomplishments and the significance of his actions for the American people. She asserted, “I think what’s important here and what the American people care about is how this President is delivering for them. And that’s what he’s doing. And that’s what’s the most important thing here.”
This incident marks another instance where Biden acknowledged being advised by his staff to limit interactions with the press, even expressing his anticipation of facing repercussions for doing so. The president first referenced such guidance during a press conference in 2021, following remarks by former press secretary Jen Psaki, who admitted discomfort with Biden’s extensive engagement with the White House press corps. “You guys are bad. I’m not supposed to be answering all these questions,” Biden remarked at the time. “I’m supposed to leave, but I can’t resist your questions.” Similar sentiments were reiterated a month later when Biden confessed to a journalist, “I’d get in trouble with staff if I don’t do this the right way.”
Throughout his presidency, concerns regarding Biden’s mental acuity have remained a contentious issue, particularly as the next election approaches. Polls indicate that voters are more apprehensive about Biden’s age compared to that of Donald Trump, who is 77 years old. According to an ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted this month, 86% of US adults believe Biden is too old for another term, while 59% express similar concerns about both Biden and Trump’s age.
{Matzav.com}
No need for a cognitive test. He’s as sharp as ever!
Reporters need to ask the script writer so that Joe Biden will know what to read off.