Former President Joe Biden, during a public event in Delaware on Friday, made headlines with his assertive comments directed at CNN anchor Jake Tapper and journalist Alex Thompson, who co-authored a book discussing Biden's alleged mental decline while in office. A reporter, referencing ongoing dialogue about Biden's mental and physical state, prompted the former President to assert his competence and challenge his critics.
In a spirited response, Biden said, "You can see that I’m mentally incompetent and I can’t walk, and I can beat the hell out of both of them," alluding to Tapper and Thompson. This remark comes amidst debates over his cognitive abilities, a topic that Tapper, despite contributing to the book, has been accused by some conservatives of ignoring during Biden's presidency.
In a subsequent query regarding recent health reports and doubts from within his own party about his 2024 reelection prospects, Biden defiantly questioned why his critics had not contested him, claiming, "Why didn’t they run against me then? Because I’d have beaten them." He voiced no regrets about his decision to continue his political career and took pride in his accomplishments as president.
Biden's commentary extended beyond personal defense, delving into the significance of the current era. He emphasized the gravity of decisions being made, suggesting they would influence the upcoming two decades, a claim he mentioned having made previously. Demonstrating confidence in his leadership, Biden said, "I’d put my record as president against any president at all."
He also referred to presidential historian rankings, claiming that out of the top twelve, ten had placed him high, contrasting that with their evaluation of Donald Trump, whom he said was rated last. Biden touched on his recent cancer diagnosis, which had already been made public. He shared that his prognosis was positive and detailed his ongoing treatment, which involved a six-week pill regimen followed by another medication. He reassured the public that the cancer had not metastasized, stating, "My bones are strong. It hasn’t penetrated."
Despite his health challenges, Biden concluded his remarks with optimism, affirming his wellbeing. The event, which garnered significant media attention, reflects the ongoing scrutiny of Biden's health and the political tensions surrounding it. As the nation moves forward, the former President's defiance and resolve remain a focal point of public and political discourse.
