Former President Bill Clinton took to the ‘The View’ on Thursday to address mounting questions about President Joe Biden’s mental state and the broader implications of his cognitive ability, particularly in the context of the 2024 presidential race. Clinton, a former Democratic administration leader, asserted that Biden has consistently demonstrated “good judgment and a clear mind” during their interactions, countering claims of cognitive decline that have been widely discussed in media and books.
In an interview with the show, Clinton was asked about the significance of recent books like ‘Original Sin,’ co-authored by Axios’ Alex Thompson and CNN’s Jake Tapper, which detail alleged efforts by Biden’s inner circle to conceal signs of his mental and physical deterioration. Clinton expressed skepticism about the focus on these reports, stating that while the media should “pay attention” to such stories, he personally observed no decline in Biden’s mental acuity. “I think you have to pay attention to them, but all I can say is whenever I was around him, his mind was clear, his judgment was good, and he was on top of his briefs,” Clinton said, a comment that was echoed by co-host Joy Behar.
However, Clinton did not shy away from criticizing the White House staff’s decisions in the run-up to the June 2024 presidential debate against Donald Trump. He pointed to Biden’s extensive travel schedule, which included trips to Europe and California, as an example of what he deemed a lack of strategic planning. “What happened in the 10 days before his debate, and what were the White House staff thinking?” Clinton questioned, highlighting his concerns over the scheduling logic behind Biden’s physical demands at the age of 80. These remarks suggest a broader critique of the administration’s ability to manage the former president’s public appearances and health considerations effectively.
Beyond the specific events leading to the debate, Clinton also acknowledged the growing public concerns about Biden’s health, particularly his age. However, he urged the media and public to shift their focus to the future of the nation, emphasizing that there is still much to be done under Biden’s leadership. “We should spend more time thinking about the future,” he said, reflecting a pragmatic approach to the ongoing discussions about his eligibility for re-election.
In a separate interview with ‘CBS Sunday Morning,’ Clinton was pressed about whether he ever had moments of concern over Biden’s suitability for the presidency. He firmly denied any such concerns, stating that he had always perceived Biden as a capable leader. “The only concern I thought he had to deal with was, could anybody do that job until they were 86?” Clinton recalled, reiterating his belief in Biden’s ability to serve. He also noted that he had never seen Biden in a state where he appeared “unfit to do this anymore,” despite the controversies surrounding his mental capacity.
These comments have reignited debates about the intersection of age, health, and political performance, particularly in light of the high-stakes 2024 race. While Clinton’s defense of Biden has drawn support from some Democratic allies, it has also intensified scrutiny over the administration’s handling of the former president’s health and public image. As the presidential race heats up, the role of media and political figures in shaping public perception of Biden’s fitness for office continues to evolve.