President Joe Biden’s recent memory lapse at a press conference during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Woodside, Calif., has once again raised questions about his mental capacity and fitness to serve as the nation’s leader.
During the press conference as reported by Conservative Brief on Friday, November 17, Biden admitted that despite being instructed to call on a reporter from CBS News, he couldn’t recall the journalist’s name. “I’m embarrassed,” Biden stated while looking down at cue cards, a tool he frequently uses. “I think it’s CBS, but I can’t remember who at CBS. And I’m sorry.”
The White House transcript confirmed that the reporter in question was CBS News’ Weijia Jiang.
This incident has contributed to a growing concern highlighted by a video montage released by the Republican National Committee’s research division. The montage portrays several instances of Biden appearing to struggle with speech, mumbling, stumbling through sentences, and at times, seeming confused or forgetful.
This compilation of moments has fueled speculation about the President’s mental acuity, prompting Dr. Carole Lieberman, a prominent figure in the field, to express doubts about Biden’s competency.
Dr. Lieberman, known for her appearances on various media platforms, emphasized that it’s not solely about Biden’s age (80, with a potential age of 82 if re-elected), but rather his mental competence.
This perception could significantly impact the 2024 Presidential Election, as Biden’s approval ratings linger around 40 percent.
In a national survey by NBC News conducted in June, concerns about Biden’s mental and physical health surged among registered voters, with 68 percent expressing moderate to major concerns—a sharp 17-point increase from the same question posed in October 2020.
As these concerns grow, analysts suggest that Democrats must address them proactively if they aim to secure a second term for Biden. The issue of his mental fitness might play a decisive role for undecided voters, potentially shaping the course of the upcoming election.
The White House has yet to respond to these concerns, leaving many to speculate about the implications for Biden’s ability to lead the nation effectively.