President Biden’s Cognitive Performance Questioned in Private Meetings, Ahead of Election
President Biden, 81, has been facing scrutiny over his cognitive performance in private meetings with congressional lawmakers, raising questions about his age and mental acuity as the November presidential election approaches.
According to The Wall Street Journal, 45 lawmakers and administration officials were interviewed, with many expressing concerns about the president’s mental performance. Some Republicans and even a few Democrats noted instances where Biden appeared to struggle during meetings, raising doubts about his ability to effectively carry out his duties.
During negotiations for additional funding for Ukraine in January, Biden reportedly spoke softly, read from notes for basic points, and even closed his eyes for extended periods, leaving some participants wondering if he had tuned out. In another meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson in February, Biden allegedly referred to a policy change as just a study, causing concern that he had forgotten key details.
While White House officials dismissed these criticisms as politically motivated, some attendees of the meetings pointed to Biden’s speech impediment and tendency to be long-winded as contributing factors to his slip-ups. Despite these concerns, the White House maintains that the president is fit to serve and has shown sharpness and engagement in other instances, such as during the Iran missile attack on Israel and late-night calls with lawmakers.
The issue of cognitive performance is not unique to Biden, as former President Trump, 77, has also faced criticism over his mental acuity. Both candidates have made verbal gaffes and memory lapses in public appearances, leading to questions about their fitness for office.
As the election draws near, voters’ concerns about the mental acuity of both candidates are largely shaped by their speeches and public appearances. The Wall Street Journal’s report sheds light on the challenges faced by both Biden and Trump as they navigate the demands of the presidency and the scrutiny of the public eye.
