Internet speculates as Joe Biden says he’ll ‘get in trouble’ for answering reporters’ questions
WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden once again raised eyebrows during a press briefing on Tuesday, March 5, as he said he would "get in trouble" for taking questions from reporters.
The incident unfolded at the launch of a task force aimed at lowering costs for American families, where the 81-year-old commander-in-chief seemed visibly perplexed.
Biden hesitates to answer questions
"I have a lot of questions. I better not start the questions. I’ll get in trouble," muttered Biden, eliciting a few chuckles from the audience.
He then paused, exhaling heavily into the microphone before placing it back down and staring blankly ahead for about 15 seconds.
As reporters attempted to squeeze in final questions while exiting, Biden muttered something inaudible, further adding to the perplexity of the moment.
Reacting to the episode, former Democratic party campaign advisor Peter Daou expressed concern, remarking, "Oh, my Lord. This man is not well."
Oh my Lord. This man is not well. pic.twitter.com/5UoEW90FD6
— Peter Daou (@peterdaou) March 6, 2024
The puzzling display from President Biden occurred just hours after White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre staunchly defended his mental acuity, rebuffing a reporter's query about the President's reliance on notecards during public announcements.
“You’re upset because the President has note cards? You’re asking me a question about the President having note cards? The President who has had probably one of the most successful first three years of an administration than any modern-day president? He’s done more in the first three years than most presidents who had the two terms,” Jean-Pierre said, sidestepping the question at hand.
“I think what’s important here and what the American people care about is how this President is delivering for them. And that’s what he’s doing. And that’s what’s the most important thing here," she added.
Past episodes and impact on polling
Tuesday's incident is not an isolated one. Biden has previously acknowledged being advised by his staff to limit interactions with the press, expressing fear of repercussions for disregarding such guidance.
This reluctance to engage with the media has raised questions about Biden's mental stamina, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding his handling of classified documents.
A special counsel report on Biden's handling of classified information did not recommend charges, partly attributing his actions to being "a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory."
However, concerns about his cognitive abilities have persisted, exacerbated by instances of confusion and verbal slip-ups.
During a press conference last Thursday to address the report, Biden inadvertently confused Mexico with Egypt, fueling further speculation about his mental acuity.
Polls indicate growing unease among voters regarding Biden's age, with many questioning his fitness for another term in office.
An ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that 86% of US adults believe Biden is too old for another term, while 59% expressed similar concerns about former President Donald Trump.
Internet reacts to Biden claiming he'll 'get in trouble'
In response to President Biden's latest assertion about getting in "trouble" for taking reporters' questions, social media was inundated with reactions.
"Go stand in timeout Biden," one posted on X.
"No ice cream if you take questions," another quipped.
"He says this all the time. In trouble with who should be the follow-up question," a comment read.
"With who? Who is he going to get in trouble with? Stuff like this fuels conspiracy theorists the world over," yet another offered.
"He has said this many times. In trouble with who? It’s clearly not him but who is the unelected leader of America?" someone else wondered.
He says this all the time. In trouble with who should be the follow up question
— Sam (@Welcome2AJungle) March 6, 2024
With who? Who is he going to get in trouble with? 😏 Stuff like this fuels conspiracy theorist the world over.
— Ms. Brown 🇺🇸 (@tinkkytone) March 6, 2024
He has said this many times. In trouble with who? It’s clearly not him but who is the unelected leader of America?
— Jake Dunand (@omegacloud) March 6, 2024
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.