Media critic Eric Wemple recently reflected on his own shortcomings in covering Joe Biden’s cognitive decline, particularly highlighting the moment when Biden asked, “Where is Jackie?” This incident has drawn attention as legacy media contemplates how to approach the former president’s mental fitness, especially with the upcoming 2024 debates looming.
Wemple revisited the September 2022 instance where Biden called out for Rep. Jackie Walorski, who had recently passed away in a car accident. Biden had previously recognized her death, yet in that moment, he seemed unaware of her absence. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Biden, suggesting he simply had a momentary lapse.
Wemple noted that this particular episode served as a signal for him, asserting that many mainstream outlets avoided deeper scrutiny of Biden’s cognitive challenges. He expressed disappointment that networks like CNN and MSNBC did not cover the “Where’s Jackie?” comments as Fox News Digital did.
In his critique, Wemple insisted that media reporting on the White House should delve beyond surface-level observations. He argued for a more in-depth approach that investigates the president’s mental acuity and daily decision-making processes. According to him, major news organizations have not sufficiently addressed Biden’s noticeable decline, which many observers find evident. Yet, this critical issue has not ignited any vigorous public discussion in mainstream media.
Meanwhile, CNN’s Jake Tapper suggested that legacy media needs to undergo a serious introspection regarding their coverage of Biden’s evident cognitive challenges.
