Recent interactions between reporters and President Joe Biden, including questions regarding his age and cognitive health, have intensified concerns about his capacity to lead. Polls and media reports suggest that the 82-year-old president is facing mounting challenges.
In a heated interaction on Sunday, January 5, 2025, Biden vigorously defended his knowledge and experience, stating, “My being the oldest president, I know more world leaders than any of you have ever met in your whole (expletive) life,” while noticeably angry at reporters. This defensive stance came during a period of heightened scrutiny towards the end of his term.
Earlier that day, Biden had difficulty during a public event, failing to remember a man’s name while singing “Happy Birthday” at a ceremony. The incident was widely shared online, stoking further concerns about his cognitive health.
A December 19, 2024, Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that nearly 50 sources with direct knowledge detailed how Biden’s staff would often repeat simple instructions and modify his schedule based on his cognitive ups and downs. The report also disclosed that press aides were directed to exclude negative stories about the president from his daily briefings.
An Associated Press poll revealed that approximately 60% of U.S. adults lacked faith in Biden’s mental ability to serve effectively as president. Even within his own party, around a third of Democrats expressed doubt about his cognitive capacity, a significant increase from 14% two years prior.
CBS News reporter Jan Crawford identified Biden’s “obvious cognitive decline that became undeniable in the televised debate” as the most underreported story of 2024. Attendees at a fundraiser in Los Angeles, California, noted a noticeable decline in Biden’s cognitive state between the spring and summer of 2024.
Medical professionals explain that while older adults retain their existing knowledge and acquired skills, aging can lead to reduced mental flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to distinguish important information from irrelevant distractions.
Lindy Li, a member of the Democratic National Committee, suggested that a “shadow presidency” is effectively governing the country, with Biden’s close advisers making key decisions. The White House has refuted these allegations.
Reports indicate that First Lady Jill Biden has sought to curtail the president’s exposure to the press, especially during unscripted moments. Sources suggest that she, along with the president’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens, may have persuaded him to withdraw from the race if presented with compelling evidence to support such a decision.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has been focusing on policy issues during press briefings, sidestepping direct questions about the president’s cognitive health.
