Amid growing questions about the president’s age, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized special counsel Robert Hur on Monday, saying Biden has done more in an hour than many people can in an entire day. suggested that it could be done.
Hsu’s report on Biden’s mishandling of classified documents, released Thursday, recommended against criminal charges against the president.
But the investigation revealed that the president struggled to remember key details of his life during interviews with investigators, including when he was vice president and when his son Beau died.
When a reporter asked Jean-Pierre at Monday’s press conference when she planned to speak with Biden’s doctor, she instead shifted to criticizing Xu, calling him a “Republican prosecutor” and “not a doctor.” ” he pointed out.
Media focus on Biden’s age and mental health impacting election chances after damning special counsel report
The White House continued to downplay special counsel Robert Hur’s findings, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggesting she could not discuss Mr. Biden’s mental health because he is not a doctor. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images)
Regarding Mr. Hsu’s assessment of Mr. Biden’s memory, she said, “It’s not something he talks about. It’s just not that.”
Another reporter asked Jean-Pierre what the White House’s strategy is to change the perception of the majority of voters who believe Biden is too old to serve another term.
Recent polls show that Biden’s age is a major issue not only for ordinary Americans but also for a majority of Democrats. An ABC/Ipsos poll on Sunday found that 86% of Americans think Biden is too old to serve another term, including 73% of Democrats.
“We will continue to show leadership,” Jean-Pierre replied. “We will continue to focus on what this president has been able to do on behalf of the American people.”
Jean-Pierre then quoted First Lady Jill Biden, saying that Biden “does more in an hour than most people do in a day. is an incredible asset and he proves it every day.” ”
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President Joe Biden speaks at the National Conference of County Legislatures in Washington, Monday, February 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
During the briefing, the spokesperson continued to defend Biden’s mental health from new scrutiny, calling him “sharp” and “on top of things.”
At one point, Mr. Jean-Pierre was asked if Mr. Biden was different in his private life, displaying more “oomph” than he displayed in his speeches and interactions with the press.
She claimed that Biden has recently visited various states and tends to engage with reporters by answering questions in a “light” and “entertaining” manner.
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Jean-Pierre also said that Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, doesn’t think cognitive tests are necessary. She said O’Connor believes Biden is “proving his cognitive abilities every day.” [in] how he acts and thinks. ”
“I would like to tell you something that Dr. O’Connor said to me about a year ago. [Biden’s physical] was released,” Jean-Pierre said. “The president proves it every day.” [in] How he acts and thinks as he engages with world leaders and makes difficult decisions on behalf of the American people, whether domestically or on national security. That is Dr. O’Connor’s view, and that is my view as well. ”
The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
FOX News’ Anders Hagström contributed to this report.
