Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday sidestepped questions about President Biden’s mental state in the first White House briefing since his poor debate performance.
When bombarded with questions about the debate, she recalled that the president underwent medical examinations, which were made public, and that he will continue touring the country during the 2024 campaign.
“That’s why we go there and will continue to go there and do interviews and talk to the American people. Ultimately…the American people will see for themselves,” she said.
She added that Biden has “worked hard for the American people” and is “committed” to continuing his leadership.
She noted that the president has upcoming public engagements, including two impromptu events — a one-on-one press conference at next week’s NATO summit in Washington, D.C., and an interview with ABC.
The announcement of the impromptu events comes as Democrats, including Biden ally Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), have called on him to conduct more interviews and impromptu events since the debate.
“We will turn the page, we will spread across the country, Americans will see it for themselves,” said Jean-Pierre.
When responding to questions about his fitness to serve as president, Jean-Pierre stated, “I think I’ve already litigated this issue enough in the briefing.”
She also acknowledged several times that it was “a bad night” for Biden and emphasized that she is taking questions about Biden’s ability to serve seriously, while some Democrats have expressed that the campaign is dismissing post-debate concerns.
“I see it as a legitimate question, I see it and I understand it, it’s a fair question to ask. The president sees this as a legitimate issue,” she said. “We’re recognizing what people are seeing.”
The president’s poor performance in the debate, during which he had difficulty finishing his sentences and spoke in a low, hoarse voice, led to shock and panic among Democrats, with some operatives, former aides and a House Democrat appealing. him to move away.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
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