Joe Biden called an 'unmitigated disaster' after WH denies hiding his health information post debate

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House has addressed concerns about President Joe Biden’s mental fitness after his performance in last week's debate.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, July 3, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged Biden's poor showing but maintained he is still capable of holding and running for office.

Karine Jean-Pierre addresses Joe Biden’s debate performance

Jean-Pierre said they understood the public's concerns and confirmed that Biden did not have a good night.

“First of all, I want to say, we understand the concerns. We get it. The president did not have a great night,” said Jean-Pierre.

She reiterated Biden had a cold on the night of the debate and did not take any medication for it.

“I would not see this as an episode,” she said, adding “I would see this as what it was and what we believe it to be – which is, it was a bad night.”

“We’re not taking away from what the American people saw,” she later added, CNN noted.

This press briefing, the first since the debate, comes at a challenging time for Biden’s presidency with his reelection campaign in a precarious position.

Campaign officials are working to reassure donors who were unsettled by Biden’s performance.

Democratic governors and legislators have requested a meeting with the president. News Nation reported that these governors, who have been strong allies of Biden, "look forward to their continued partnership.”

White House denies hiding Joe Biden's health information

Jean-Pierre asserted that the administration is “absolutely not” hiding any information about the president’s health or his ability to perform his duties.

When asked directly if Biden has Alzheimer’s, dementia, or any other disease that could cause memory lapses, she replied, “No."

She added that the White House medical team said a cognitive test was not warranted in this case. 

Asked whether Biden regularly presents himself the way he did at the debate, Jean-Pierre referred to a speech Biden gave in North Carolina the following day.

 “He understands that he’s not a young man. … What his focus is going to continue to deliver for the American people on the issues that they care about.”

Jean-Pierre noted the president’s record and accomplishments, stating, “What I can speak to is the president’s record. What I can speak to is what he’s been able to accomplish."

"And the things that he’s been able to do and get done are actually in line with the majority of Americans," Jean-Pierre said.

She added, "And I think that’s important to note, and again, I will say with age comes wisdom and experience. And that certainly is something that the president brings.”

Internet reacts to White House's defense of President Joe Biden

Online reactions were swift and critical. “Release the Hur transcript if you have nothing to hide,” wrote one user on X.

Another comment read, “The gaslighting never stops," and "The guy couldn’t string two thoughts together.. that’s not the result of a cold.”

One more user added, “Everything about this administration continues to lie gaslighting Americans making them believe something that we all see with their own eyes, which is pretty much how they’ve run this entire administration. You’re wrong America because we’re right that’s all we get.”

Yet another user stated, “He’s been an unmitigated disaster.”

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