Last year, former President Joe Biden dismissed concerns raised by special adviser Robert Huar about his mental acuity. Recently, Axios released audio from an interview conducted in October 2023, where Biden appeared to struggle with recalling key dates, such as his son Beau’s passing, his resignation as vice president, and even details surrounding former President Donald Trump’s election. The recording revealed not only lapses in his memory but also included instances of him slurring his words and mumbling during the conversation with Huar. Transcripts from interviews on October 8 and 9, 2023, were later made public on March 12, 2024.
In February 2024, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy pressed Biden on Huar’s report regarding his mental fitness. Biden’s response included an assertion of his intentions and competence as president, despite his advancing age: “I’m well-intentioned, I’m an older man, I know what the hell I’m doing.” However, Doocy continued to question Biden about his memory and his capability to serve effectively.
During the exchange, Biden joked, “My memory is so bad I’ll let you talk.” Huar, appointed by then Attorney General Merrick Garland, had investigated Biden’s handling of classified documents but ultimately decided against filing charges, citing Biden’s “poor memories” from his time as a senator.
This report has intensified scrutiny from Republican critics who argue that Biden lacks the mental sharpness necessary for the presidency, pointing to various gaffes during his public appearances. In response, Democrats and the Biden administration initially criticized Huar’s findings, claiming bias in his assessment.
As Biden’s re-election campaign heated up in late 2024, concerns about his performance became more pronounced. His age and cognitive abilities were highlighted particularly following his debate against Trump. Ultimately, Biden, now 82, suspended his campaign in July, and after his term, Vice President Kamala Harris faced Trump in the November elections.
