Biden Responds to Mental Decline Claims Amid Cancer Treatment

Former President Joe Biden publicly responded with humor and defiance to the new book "Original Sin," which details claims of his mental decline during his final months in office and the 2024 presidential race. At a Memorial Day event, Biden joked about being mentally incompetent and physically unable to walk, then said he could "beat the hell out of" the book's authors, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. The book alleges that Biden's cognitive abilities had deteriorated significantly, prompting concerns among Democrats and attempts to conceal the extent of his condition. Biden's team firmly denied these allegations, stating that the book fails to prove any cover-up or that national security was compromised. Biden also addressed his recent prostate cancer diagnosis, with doctors optimistic about his prognosis, and challenged critics who questioned why they did not run against him if they doubted his fitness. The interaction drew notable media attention, including a CNN broadcast cutting away during Biden's remarks, illustrating the intense scrutiny of his health and performance in office.