Biden’s Memory Under Scrutiny: Leaked Audio Sparks Debate
Newly Released Audio Raises Questions About Biden’s Memory
A recently released audio clip has reignited concerns about President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities. The recording, obtained by Axios, appears to show Biden struggling to recall dates of significant events, including the passing of his son, Beau.
Background on the Investigation
The audio was captured during former special counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents after his vice presidency. This investigation, launched in the wake of the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, focused on Biden’s actions concerning classified materials.
Biden’s Struggles in the Audio Clip
In the released snippets, Biden can be heard pausing and appearing to struggle as he recounts details about his time as vice president, President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and the death of his son.
The Full Transcript and the Administration’s Stance
While the Biden administration released the full transcript of Biden’s five-hour interview with Hur, they resisted releasing the audio recording, citing executive privilege. This decision led to Former Attorney General Merrick Garland being held in contempt of Congress by House Republicans.
A History of Controversy Surrounding Biden’s Cognitive Abilities
The release of the audio follows reports in books alleging that the Biden administration attempted to downplay concerns about his mental acuity during his presidency.
How Axios Obtained the Audio Remains Unclear
ABC News has not independently verified the audio’s authenticity. The White House, however, referred ABC News to the Axios clips. The exact method by which Axios obtained the audio from a closed criminal investigation is not yet known.
The Trump Administration’s Similar Resistance
The release of this audio comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s own reluctance to disclose former special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s handling of classified materials. This report, which led to Trump’s indictment on 40 criminal charges, has been met with resistance from the Trump administration in its efforts to be released to oversight groups and media organizations.
