Former President Joe Biden faced a mix of praise and scrutiny during his speech at the National Bar Association’s 100th annual gala in Chicago, where he celebrated his judicial appointments and highlighted the diversity of his administration. The address, which was held on Thursday evening, coincided with heightened attention on Biden’s physical and cognitive condition amid ongoing investigations into his fitness for office. During the speech, Biden struggled with slurred speech, drawing concerns about his health and ability to fulfill his duties. The event, attended by prominent figures such as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, was a significant moment for Biden as he defended his record on judicial appointments and diversity.
While delivering the speech, Biden emphasized the historic nature of his judicial selections, particularly the appointment of Justice Jackson, who became the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Biden stated, “I promised to have an administration that looked like America and appoint a bench that looked like America,” and claimed that his administration had achieved the most demographically diverse judicial slate in U.S. history. He noted that 13 Black women were appointed to the federal courts of appeals, a number surpassing the combined totals of all previous presidents. However, these assertions were juxtaposed with the backdrop of ongoing investigations into Biden’s mental health and allegations of potential cover-ups regarding his cognitive decline. The House Oversight Committee has been examining claims that Biden may have concealed his deteriorating mental faculties, particularly following his debate performance against President Donald Trump in June 2024, where he struggled to answer basic questions.
The timing of Biden’s speech was significant, as it came shortly after testimony from his longtime aide Michael Donilon before the House Oversight Committee. Donilon claimed that he could have earned up to $8 million if Biden had won re-election, a revelation that added to the controversies surrounding the former president’s leadership and financial interests. These developments have intensified public and political scrutiny, with some questioning the extent of Biden’s cognitive abilities and the transparency surrounding his potential decline. Despite the challenges, Biden and his allies have continued to highlight his achievements, including his judicial appointments, as part of a broader narrative about his commitment to diversity and democratic representation in the U.S. legal system.
Meanwhile, the National Bar Association, which has historically advocated for civil rights and diversity, provided a platform for Biden to address these issues. However, the event’s significance was heightened by the ongoing scrutiny of Biden’s leadership and mental health. As multiple investigations continue on Capitol Hill, the former president’s public appearances and speeches remain under close examination. The situation reflects a broader tension between the political narrative of Biden’s legacy and the legal and ethical concerns raised by his opponents and investigators. With the 2024 election having already passed, the focus now shifts to the long-term implications of these events on the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape.