Biden Faces Criticism Over Mental Decline, Public Appearances

Recent reports and commentary have highlighted concerns about former President Joe Biden's mental and physical decline during the latter part of his presidency, with aides accused of shielding him from reality, culminating in a notably poor debate performance against Donald Trump. Liberal columnist Al Hunt has publicly advised Biden to avoid the spotlight, suggesting his continued public appearances are detrimental and that he should instead seek comfort with friends and family. This advice follows criticisms from figures like James Carville and Pete Buttigieg, who have questioned the wisdom of Biden's 2024 reelection bid. Biden has denied claims of cognitive decline during interviews, though his public rambling prompted his wife, Jill Biden, to defend his presidency by emphasizing the demanding nature of the role. These perspectives reflect a broader narrative of a presidency marked by increasing fragility and internal protective measures that ultimately failed to prevent public perception of decline. Meanwhile, debates continue over Biden's legacy and the political impact of his later years in office.