Amid rising concerns about President Joe Biden's cognitive health, insiders and political analysts are debating the implications for his leadership and the upcoming 2024 election. A recent Wall Street Journal report highlighted apprehensions about Biden’s mental acuity, citing sources who describe his memory lapses and decreased sharpness.
These concerns have been echoed in various reports and polls. For instance, an NBC News survey found that 76% of respondents have major or moderate concerns about Biden's mental and physical health. Additionally, a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old to serve another term.
The WSJ reporter who wrote the story on Biden’s cognitive decline says even WH officials don’t dispute the incidents in the story, such as Biden not speaking in meetings
“There was not a difference over what was happening, there was a difference in cast” pic.twitter.com/YDwowd3avX
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) June 5, 2024
Despite these concerns, many Democrats have rallied behind Biden, emphasizing his achievements and ongoing capabilities. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy defended Biden’s competency, pointing to his critical role in passing bipartisan legislation, such as the recent gun bill. Murphy stated, "There are literally thousands of people alive in this nation today because Joe Biden is incredibly competent, and he's incredibly effective."
Special Counsel Robert Hur's report cleared Biden of any criminal wrongdoing but noted the president's poor memory, which some argue might pose a challenge in convincing a jury of any future allegations. Hur's report also inadvertently fueled public concerns about Biden's cognitive health, with critics and political opponents seizing on the issue.
Biden showing signs of decline as pols, aides, detail 81-year-old’s slipping cognitive fitness: ‘Not the same person’ https://t.co/3Ng8HFw2gR pic.twitter.com/NeqXkpDZ5G
— New York Post (@nypost) June 5, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden have strongly defended the president. Harris called the cognitive concerns "gratuitous, inaccurate, and inappropriate," while Jill Biden expressed deep concern over the scrutiny of her husband's mental health. Delaware Senator Chris Coons also dismissed the cognitive decline narrative, sharing an anecdote about Biden's detailed and insightful discussions during a recent meeting with senators.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and California Representative Ro Khanna have also vouched for Biden's mental sharpness, emphasizing his continued ability to lead effectively. Pritzker described Biden as "on the ball" and possessing a vast amount of knowledge, while Khanna highlighted Biden's sharpness in recent conversations about the Middle East.
Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite policy differences with the Biden administration, affirmed Biden’s clarity and focus during their numerous interactions concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.
As the 2024 election approaches, Biden's cognitive health remains a contentious topic, with his supporters and critics sharply divided. The president's allies insist that his experience and leadership are irreplaceable, while opponents argue that his age and mental acuity could hinder his ability to govern effectively.
