Concerns rise over Joe Biden's mental decline as it becomes apparent in private meetings with US lawmakers

WASHINGTON, DC: In private meetings with congressional lawmakers, concerns have been raised regarding President Joe Biden's cognitive performance, casting doubt on his ability to fulfill his presidential duties.

Biden, 81, is the oldest individual to assume the role of United States President, leading to widespread skepticism from both voters and Republican lawmakers, per Fox News.

Various Republicans and a few Democrats opined on the incumbent president's age-related decline in mental acuity during private exchanges, reported The Wall Street Journal.

The criticisms were provided by 45 lawmakers and administration officials who were directly involved in the meetings or were contemporaneously briefed.

While some Democrats raised concerns about the President's performance, others, including officials and Democrats, did not express similar apprehensions, indicating a mixed perception of his cognitive capabilities.

What are some of the instances shared by GOP Congressmen regarding Joe Biden’s declining mental abilities?

During negotiations with congressional leaders in January 2024 to secure additional funding for Ukraine, Biden's manner of speaking and level of engagement raised concerns among some participants.

According to five individuals familiar with the meeting, the President spoke softly at times, leading some to struggle to hear him.

He reportedly relied on notes for basic points, exhibited extended periods of silence, and even closed his eyes for such durations that it prompted speculation of disengagement.

In a separate instance in February, during a one-on-one meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson, Biden allegedly described a recent policy change as just a study, as recounted by six individuals briefed on the conversation by Johnson.

The Speaker expressed apprehension, per the recollection shared by six individuals, that the President had overlooked key details of the policy shift.

Moreover, when negotiating with House Republicans last year on lifting the debt ceiling, the President's demeanor and grasp of specifics appeared inconsistent to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and two other individuals involved in the discussions.

On certain days, Biden appeared sharp, engaging in spontaneous exchanges with Republicans, while on other days, he reportedly appeared to mumble and relied heavily on notes.

"I used to meet with him when he was vice president. I’d go to his house. He's not the same person," former House Speaker McCarthy said of Biden.

In the past, Biden was known in Washington for his skill as a negotiator of legislative deals, his comprehensive understanding of issues, and his ability to discern the motivations and requirements of the opposing side, all while performing well under pressure.

However, more recently, especially in the last year following the Republican control of the House, there has been a perception of Biden as an elderly leader with occasional cognitive limitations.

Joe Biden's administration officials' response to the claims over his mental incapacity

The White House officials have rebuffed many of these claims, attributing such criticisms to partisan agendas.

These officials have refuted the accounts provided by individuals who have met with the President or have been briefed on related meetings.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said, "Congressional Republicans, foreign leaders and nonpartisan national-security experts have made clear in their own words that Biden is a savvy and effective leader who has a deep record of legislative accomplishment."

"Now, in 2024, House Republicans are making false claims as a political tactic that flatly contradict previous statements made by themselves and their colleagues," he remarked.

During Biden's meeting in Ukraine in January, the President presented a compelling case for providing aid, as reported by administration officials and some participants. It is standard practice to use notes during these meetings.

Bates refuted allegations that Biden had made errors during his February meeting with Johnson on energy policy.

Administration aides familiar with last year’s debt-ceiling negotiations affirmed Biden's effectiveness. While not directly involved, he provided detailed instructions behind the scenes.

These aides mentioned that McCarthy privately expressed his admiration for Biden’s performance and, in public remarks, suggested that the President appeared sharp.

The aides highlighted the passage of Ukraine funding and a debt-ceiling increase without significant concessions to Republicans as indicators of Biden's success.

Questions over Joe Biden's mental acuity have gathered for a long time despite his deemed-to-be-fit stamp

Nevertheless, Biden's performance has been a subject of discussion among some of his administration officials and the American public, in general.

Some officials have attributed his verbal slip-ups to his speech impediment and tendency to be long-winded, suggesting that this reflects unevenness rather than confusion.

The White House has stated that Biden's medical evaluations have deemed him fit for duty and have not indicated a need for a cognitive test.

Administration members have pointed to instances where the President demonstrated sharpness and engagement, such as extended hours in the Situation Room during Iran's missile attack on Israel and late-night discussions with lawmakers from the White House.

Public concerns about Biden's mental acuity have been influenced by his campaign speeches and rally appearances.

Instances where he misspoke, such as referencing his vice presidency during the Covid-19 pandemic and mixing up his Hispanic cabinet secretaries, have drawn attention.

Furthermore, concerns about the President's mental state were intensified by a report from Special Counsel Robert K Hur, who deemed Biden's memory to be "significantly limited."

Observations surrounding the POTUS in unscripted moments have been limited as he has been reserved in giving media interviews.

Data shows a comparatively low number of interviews and press conferences compared to past US presidents. Additionally, records indicate a decrease in meetings with lawmakers as his term has progressed.

Internet weighs in as Joe Biden's signs of mental decline become apparent in meetings with US lawmakers

One X (formerly Twitter) user remarked, "He's so out of it in public that you have to wonder how bad he must be in private for people to admit that he's in decline."

Another user said, "No surprises there at all !"

Another user wrote, "I’ll take a declined man over a convicted felon."

One X user claimed, "Biden displays signs of decline in public also."

Another user asked, "Is this supposed to be a surprise? He displays sign of decline publicly on a nearly daily basis."

Finally, one individual tweeted, "Lol, funny how these are the same congressional leaders he’s outmaneuvered and made bend to his will. These GOP crybabies haven’t an ounce of self respect between them."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.