Former Democratic Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania expressed mixed feelings about President Joe Biden’s public communication abilities during a recent CNN interview, acknowledging his “mental acuity” but voicing concern about his ability “to speak.”
Biden announced on July 21 that he would not seek reelection, instead endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination. This decision followed weeks of scrutiny after his lackluster performance in a June 27 CNN debate with former President Donald Trump. Wild noted that “the age issue” and Biden’s debate performance were significant factors working against him.
CNN host Kasie Hunt asked Wild about Biden’s candor regarding his age during past discussions. Hunt referenced a comment Biden made to journalist Susan Page: “Do you think you would have had the vigor to serve another four years in office?” Biden replied, “I don’t know. Who the hell knows? So far, so good, but who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” Hunt asked Wild if such honesty might have benefited Democrats four years ago.
“That line would not have helped Democrats,” Wild responded. “It’s hard to say whether he could have won. But having a woman, especially a woman of color, at the top of the ticket may have made a difference. The age issue, competence concerns, and that debate performance were all major factors against Joe Biden.”
A December Wall Street Journal article reported that White House aides worked to “insulate” Biden from even cabinet members as concerns about his health grew. Similar reports earlier in the year had prompted backlash from some media outlets.
Hunt also asked Wild how Democrats might address voters’ concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities. Wild maintained confidence in Biden’s mental state but admitted worries about his communication: “I was confident in his mental acuity. However, I had significant concerns about his ability to project and speak. His lifelong speech impediment was one thing, but this seemed different. At times, I struggled to understand what he was saying, and that caused me concern because clear communication is crucial for a president.”
Biden’s age and health have been ongoing topics of discussion throughout his presidency. Critics pointed to instances where he mistakenly referenced deceased individuals in conversations, including claiming to have spoken with former leaders Helmut Kohl and Francois Mitterrand, both of whom passed away years before Biden’s remarks.
Additionally, Biden experienced several public falls, such as at the Air Force Academy in 2023, during a bike ride in 2022, and on the steps of Air Force One. Adjustments, including using a different set of stairs to board Air Force One, have been made to accommodate his age.
