US President Joe Biden once again raised concerns over his mental acuity during a press briefing on Tuesday, admitting he’d “get in trouble” for taking questions, just hours after his press secretary staunchly defended him.
The 81-year-old president made the bewildering remark at the launch of a task force aimed at lowering costs for American families.
“I have a lot of questions. I better not start the questions. I’ll get in trouble,” Biden mumbled, drawing laughter from the audience. He then placed the microphone back down, ignoring attempts from reporters to ask further questions.
Critics were quick to voice their concerns. Former Democratic party campaign advisor Peter Daou commented: “Oh my Lord. This man is not well.”
The incident occurred shortly after White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Biden against questions regarding his reliance on notecards during public announcements. When asked about it, Jean-Pierre deflected, highlighting Biden’s accomplishments and dismissing concerns about his mental health.
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Biden’s mental stamina has been a topic of debate throughout his presidency, particularly as he approaches the next election.
Polls indicate that a significant portion of the population views him as too old for another term, raising questions about his ability to lead effectively.
An ABC News/Ipsos poll this month found that 86 percent of US adults said Biden is too old for another term while 59 percent said that both Biden and Trump are too old. These concerns highlight the challenges Biden may face in garnering support for a potential reelection bid.
