ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos interrogated President Joe Biden on Friday regarding his physical and mental capacities, following a New York Times piece that disclosed concerns from persons intimately connected to the president about his “cognitive decline” for over a year.
Following Biden’s claim that his abysmal display during CNN’s presidential debate last week was simply a “bad night” and not a sign of any cognitive deterioration, Stephanopoulos responded:
Part of the other concern is that this seems to have fit into a pattern of decline that has been reported on recently. New York Times had a headline on July 2nd, “Biden’s Lapses Are Said to Be Increasingly Common and Worrisome.” Here’s what they wrote: “People who have spent time with President Biden over the last few months or so said the lapses appear to have grown more frequent, more pronounced, and after Thursday’s debate, more worrisome. By many accounts, as evidenced by video footage, observation, and interviews, Mr. Biden is not the same today as he was even when he took office three-and-a-half years ago.” Similar reporting in The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
The ABC News host then asked, “Are you the same man today that you were when you took office three-and-a-half years ago?”
Biden responded, “In terms of successes, yes. I also was the guy who put together a peace plan for the Middle East that may be coming into fruition. I was also the guy that expanded NATO. I was also the guy that grew the economy. All the individual things that were done were ideas I had or I fulfilled, I moved on.”
“But what has all that work over the last three-and-a-half years cost you physically, mentally, emotionally?” asked Stephanopoulos.
Biden insisted, “Well, I just think it cost me a really bad night. Bad run. But, you know, I– George, I have– I’m optimistic about this country. I don’t think we’re a country of losers, as he [Trump] points out. I don’t think America’s in tough shape. I think America’s on the cusp of breaking through in so many incredible opportunities.”
Biden proceeded to enumerate a number of campaign pledges for a potential second term, which encompassed modifications to the tax system and healthcare. Stephanopoulos acknowledged his comprehension of these commitments and expressed no disagreement. “I understand that, and I’m not disputing that. What I’m asking you is about your personal situation. Do you dispute that there have been more lapses, especially in the last several months?” Stephanopoulos said.
“Can I run 110 flat? No. But I’m still in good shape,” Biden claimed.
“Are you more frail?” questioned Stephanopoulos, to which Biden replied, “No.”
