Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Wednesday he believes President Biden is slipping mentally, after a report raised new questions about his performance during meetings in recent years.
Thune, the Senate’s No. 2 Republican, told reporters he did not “disagree” with The Wall Street Journal’s report, which cited dozens of sources who were in meetings with Biden or were briefed on them. The sources were mostly Republican, which provoked strong resistance from the White House and external criticism of the story.
“I don’t disagree. Obviously you all see this daily. …It’s a problem,” Thune said, telling a reporter there is a “clear difference” between Biden and former President Trump.
“I do a lot on my own [gaffes], so I sympathize with that, but I think there’s no doubt about it,” he continued. “You can just look at the tape.”
Thune is the highest-ranking Senate Republican to question the president’s mental health. He is also the favorite to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) at the top of the GOP conference.
The Journal story pointed to a number of examples of when Biden read notes during meetings about aid to Ukraine. The sources also cited instances during these meetings in which the president deferred questions to aides and was barely audible when speaking to those present.
“What a surprise – Republicans employing their election year messaging strategy that contradicts their own previous words about @POTUS,” White House communications director Ben LaBolt posted on the social platform. “Playing Casablanca!”
Biden, 81, is the oldest person to hold the presidency, and questions about his mental fitness have persisted throughout his term.
Trump was previously the oldest person to hold the office and is 3 1/2 years younger than Biden, but he also had several instances of confusion during the campaign.
In January, he confused former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley (R) with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Two months later, he mistook Biden for former President Obama during a campaign rally.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
