During a White House press briefing, President Joe Biden faced a forthright inquiry from Fox News White House Correspondent Peter Doocy, who posed a question regarding Biden’s mental sharpness and his capability to fulfill the presidential role.
This exchange took place shortly after the release of a significant report by Special Counsel Robert Hur on Thursday, which delved into the investigation of Biden’s handling of classified documents from his tenure as a senator and vice president.
The comprehensive report by Hur shed light on the conclusion that President Biden had indeed retained classified materials post his vice-presidency, during a period when he was not holding any public office. Despite these findings, Hur pointed out that pursuing criminal charges against Biden might not be viable, partly due to the perception that a jury might view him as a figure deserving empathy, largely attributed to his “poor memory.”
The report elaborates on instances where Biden purportedly could not recall specific details from his vice-presidential term and also highlighted a poignant period of his life marked by the loss of his son, Beau Biden.
Following the unveiling of Hur’s report, President Biden made a public address from the White House, where he expressed his dissent towards the findings of the investigation. Subsequently, he opened the floor to questions, with Doocy seizing the opportunity to query the president about his mental fitness for the presidency.
This moment underscored the intense scrutiny faced by public figures, especially in the context of their ability to serve in high-stakes, demanding roles, further amplified by the backdrop of a contentious political landscape.
Here is their exchange:
DOOCY: President Biden, something the special counsel said in his report is that one of the reasons you were not charged is because in his description, “you are a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.”
BIDEN: I’m well-meaning and I’m an elderly man and I know what the hell I’m doing. I’ve been president and I put this country back on its feet. I don’t need his recommendation. It’s totally–
DOOCY: How bad is your memory and can you continue as president?
BIDEN: My memory is so bad I let you speak.
Another reporter chimed in and asked, “Do you believe your memory has gotten worse?”
“My memory is fine,” Biden replied. “Take a look at what I’ve done since I’ve become president. None of you thought could I pass any of the things I got passed. How’d that happen? You know, I guess I just forgot what was going on.”
