Biden Struggles with Memory in Newly Released Interview Audio

Washington, D.C. — Newly released audio from a 2023 interview of then-President Joe Biden by Special Counsel Robert Hur reveals troubling memory lapses that contradict earlier statements from White House officials. In the audio, Biden struggles to recall fundamental dates, including the year his son Beau passed away from brain cancer.

Despite his aides denying at the time that Biden exhibited memory issues, the audio demonstrates that he required assistance from his lawyers during the questioning. The interview took place over two days in October 2023 as part of an investigation into Biden’s retention of classified documents.

Hur later described Biden in his report as an “elderly man with a poor memory,” raising alarms among Democrats about the president’s mental fitness ahead of the 2024 elections. This audio is likely to reignite discussions around Biden’s cognitive abilities, particularly as speculations abound regarding its impact on the party’s electoral chances.

During the interview, Biden faced difficulties remembering pivotal moments in his life, including the specifics surrounding his vice presidency and the year his son died. These struggles are captured in a recording that was not publicly available until recently and sparked demands from Republican leaders for its release.

Former Attorney General Merrick Garland initially shared the interview transcript but withheld the audio citing executive privilege. Subsequently, various news organizations, including NBC News, sought legal action to access this recording, but that matter remained unresolved before Biden’s tenure concluded.

Hur’s investigation ultimately found evidence of Biden’s retention of classified documents but decided against charges due to concerns over his memory issues. In his report, Hur noted that Biden’s demeanor during the interview could present him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man” to a jury.

While White House staff characterized Biden’s performance in the interview as comparable to what witnesses typically experience under pressure, the ensuing public perception continued to sway negatively after Biden’s underwhelming debate performance against Trump in June 2024. His stumbles during that debate solidified doubts about his capability to serve another term.

These revelations coincide with a critical time in Biden’s re-election campaign, with his age and cognitive abilities becoming central issues of contention. As a result, Biden eventually stepped aside from the race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Critics, including Trump and his allies, have seized upon these developments, drawing attention to Biden’s memory lapses and raising questions about the Democratic Party’s overall strategy. As Biden’s political narrative evolves, the conversation surrounding his cognitive health remains a focal point.