Tuesday marked the first White House press conference since President Biden’s rough debate performance — and press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had her hands full trying to spin concerns away.
KJP leaned heavily on the fact that Biden had a cold, even though it’s clear the common cold wouldn’t have caused the severity of problems Americans witnessed at the debate.
QUESTION: Is Biden's cognitive decline an "episode" or a "condition"?
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: "What I can tell you is that he had a cold" pic.twitter.com/oSOhPeLEKh
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 2, 2024
KJP echoed the Democrat talking point that it was “just a bad night” for President Biden — but failed to offer an explanation as to why it was such a bad performance.
REPORTER: You keep saying it was "just a bad night" for Biden at the debate, but is there an explanation for *why* it was so bad? What happened if it's not cognitive decline?
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: ………….. pic.twitter.com/4fWohlSGm2
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 2, 2024
One reporter asked KJP if anyone at the White House hiding information on the president’s health.
QUESTION: "Is anyone in the White House hiding information about the president's health or his ability to do the job?"
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: "Absolutely not." pic.twitter.com/ONCfkLy9Q9
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 2, 2024
Another reporter asked if Biden was examined by a doctor or if he received a “neurological scan.”
REPORTER: Did Biden get a "neurological scan" after the debate?
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: Uhhh, well, see… pic.twitter.com/gilErASDtw
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 2, 2024
KJP confirmed that Biden will not be releasing more “robust” medical records detailing potential cognitive issues.
REPORTER: Will Biden be releasing more "robust" medical records detailing his cognitive health?
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: No pic.twitter.com/uT5SIHu5Qx
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 2, 2024
KJP was asked if the White House staff has seen evidence of Biden’s mental struggles during private moments behind the scenes; “Does what Americans saw at the debate have a precursor?”
Karine Jean-Pierre claims Biden is actually "strong" and "resolute" behind the scenes — not facing an "accelerating" cognitive decline pic.twitter.com/IDeFRCFKXx
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 2, 2024
One reporter asked KJP directly if Biden has Alzheimer’s or any kind of dementia.
🚨🚨🚨
"Does President Biden, at 81 years old, have Alzheimer's, any form of dementia, or degenerative illness that may cause these sorts of lapses?"
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: "No" pic.twitter.com/g6vv6HEhtS
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 2, 2024