U.S. News
Biden rejects ‘poor memory’ label in Special Counsel report, defends his mental fitness
By Jake Beardslee · February 9, 2024
In brief…
- Report declines to charge Biden but cites his "significantly limited" memory
- Biden defends his handling of classified docs, says he didn't break law
- White House objects to report; Biden vows to stay focused on his job
President Biden strongly pushed back against special counsel Robert Hur’s report assessing his cognitive abilities and handling of classified documents. The president called the report’s portrayal of him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory” inaccurate and inappropriate, according to The Hill.
Biden stated “I’m well-meaning and I’m an elderly man and I know what the h**l I’m doing. I’ve been president, I put this country back on its feet.” He emphasized his strong memory and listed his accomplishments since taking office.
The special counsel’s report declined to bring charges against Biden for improperly retaining classified documents but characterized his memory as “significantly limited.” It cited instances of Biden being unable to recall details from his vice presidency and inconsistencies in interviews.
Biden defended his handling of classified material, saying “I did not break the law, period.” He called the report’s claim that he “willfully” retained documents misleading. The president pledged to continue focusing on his job.
The White House objected to aspects of the report, with Biden’s lawyer calling it a violation of Justice Department norms.