Rep. Jim Clyburn, who played a key role in supporting former President Joe Biden’s election campaign back in 2020, has expressed concerns that the Democratic Party’s efforts to downplay Biden’s condition might be damaging their public perception.
In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tupper, Clyburn, now 84, reflected on the “incredibly low” public impression regarding Biden’s capabilities, suggesting it might stem from hiding potential dysfunctions.
“The numbers tell a different story when you dig deeper,” Clyburn remarked during the “State of the Union” segment on Sunday.
Democrats in South Carolina reported a mix of sentiments from locals regarding Biden’s cognitive health.
“I’ve spoken to various people, including students,” he noted. “Many still believe Biden is capable of fulfilling his responsibilities. They think he’s a good president, and I agree.”
However, he acknowledged that some people are uneasy when they recall past moments. “They worry if it was just a slip or something more concerning. I can’t really say what the truth is,” he added.
A recent leak revealed audio from Biden’s October 2023 interview with Robert Huar, where he appeared confused about significant personal details, such as the death of his son Beau.
Tupper, who has co-authored a book on Biden’s presidency, highlighted concerns regarding the efforts by allies to shield the president’s declining state.
Clyburn said he has not witnessed the same level of decline as seen in the leaked tapes. “I didn’t observe that; I’ve talked to Biden regularly, although perhaps not as frequently as some think.”
A South Carolina Democrat drew parallels between Biden’s aging and that of his father, remarking that it’s normal for older individuals to move and communicate more slowly. He still maintained that Biden could effectively serve the remainder of his term.
“Yes, I thought he should be able to complete another term,” he replied when asked about Biden’s potential for a second term. However, he admitted that Biden’s debate performance against Trump last June made him reassess that perspective.
“After watching that discussion, you and I talked about it, and yes, I had some concerns,” he acknowledged. “The real question is whether these are isolated incidents or part of a larger issue.”
“Many of us were slightly apprehensive about his preparation for the debate, especially after returning from overseas trips.”
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) also weighed in, stating that the party might regret its choice to support Biden heading into 2024. He emphasized the need for a fresh face to represent the Democrats.
“I think we all share some accountability,” Murphy shared on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “Perhaps we were too loyal to someone who has done well steering the country amidst the pandemic and was an accomplished legislator.”
In retrospect, he stated that defending the party’s stance becomes challenging when faced with the reality of a troubled presidency.
