Fox News reporter Peter Doocy questioned White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about reports that President Joe Biden would be “most alert” at certain times of the day, and who would be called in the event of a hypothetical late-night emergency.
At a press conference, Doocy said Asked Jean-Pierre was referring to Biden telling Democratic governors he was fine and “just” crazy. The president also reportedly told governors to tell their staff not to schedule events after 8 p.m. The Washington Post.
Biden’s comments came after White House aides reportedly told Axios that Biden was “certainly engaged” during the six-hour meeting.
“The president says he’s in good health, but it’s a matter of mind, and that’s when he’s at his sharpest,” Doocy began.
“He was joking, by the way. He just wanted to make sure it got out there,” Jean-Pierre interjected. “He was making a light joke. He was improvising, making a joke. The president loves to joke a lot. He’s the same guy who says, ‘I know I look 40,’ right? I mean, he loves to joke. It’s a joke. I think people laugh when he says it.”
.Follow To KJP: “Have you guys not tested President Biden for Parkinson’s or dementia since February because if there are negative results, that’s the end of it?” Daily Caller pic.twitter.com/qRdUqEIHmD
— Nicole Silverio (@NicoleMSilverio) July 9, 2024
Doocy added that Biden also said he was “most alert before 8 p.m.”
“So if the Pentagon senses a nuclear bomb coming, it’s 11 p.m., who do you call?” Doocy asked. “The First Lady?”
Jean-Pierre explained that Biden has a “team that keeps him informed of news that is relevant and important to the American people.”
Doocy added that Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) had said during his time as House speaker that “Jill was there on multiple occasions during meetings in the Oval Office.”
“When the first lady sits in on these meetings, is she making the decisions or is she just advising the president?” Doocy asked.
“No, the president is the president of the United States. He makes the decisions,” Jean-Pierre added.
Since the June 27 presidential debate between Biden and former President Donald Trump, Biden has faced multiple calls from Democrats, donors and voters to drop out of the race. There are also growing concerns that Biden may not be able to serve another term as president.
Biden continues to face calls to “stand down” and withdraw from the presidential race, but the president remains adamant that he will not withdraw.
