President Joe Biden, 81, is fighting claims challenging his memory problems. A special counsel's report investigating his possession of classified documents intensified longtime concerns over his age and memory.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on February 8, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden addressed the Special Counsel's report on his handling of classified material, and the status of the war in Gaza.
According to The Associated Press, the report described the 81-year-old Democrat's memory as "hazy," "fuzzy," "faulty," "poor" and having "significant limitations." It noted that Biden could not recall defining milestones in his own life, such as when his son Beau died or when he served as vice president.
"My memory is fine," Biden responded Thursday night from the White House, where he grew visibly angry as he denied forgetting when his son died. Beau Biden died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.
Biden will not face charges for mishandling classified documents. However, the report's claims about his memory could undermine Biden's message to voters that he is qualified to manage and safeguard the country.
Voters have expressed grave concern and reluctance over Biden's age, emphasizing his blunders, slow walk, health, and bike fall.
As Biden tried to defend himself, he found himself in another heavily scrutinized gaffe when he mistakenly referred to Egypt's leader Abdel Fattah El-Sissi as "the president of Mexico." when discussing the Israel-Hamas war.
Time Magazine reported that White House officials immediately thought the report by Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican and former Trump appointee, crossed a line and implied some of those observations might not be true.
How Did Biden Handle It?
Hours later, Biden took things further, holding a rare evening press conference at the White House adamantly disputing Hur's characterization of his mental sharpness.
Biden was especially outraged by the report's allegation that he had forgotten when his son, Beau, had died.
How in the hell dare he raise that," Biden said.
"Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, wasn't any of their damn business," the President continued, adding that he carries with him every day a rosary that belonged to Beau and his family holds a service for Beau every Memorial Day.
"I don't need anyone to remind me when he passed away," Biden said. "For any extraneous commentary, they don't know what they're talking about. It has no place in this report."
"I'm well-meaning and I'm an elderly man and I know what I'm doing. I've been President, I put this country back on its feet," continued Biden.
The report comes at an unlucky time for Biden, who is constantly criticized for using wrong names for the leaders of France and Germany while giving remarks.
An NBC News poll released Tuesday found that 62% of voters have major concerns that Biden doesn't have the mental and physical health to be President for a second term.
Biden concluded, "Bottom line is the special counsel in my case decided against moving forward on any charges. This matter is now closed."
