Fact Check: Biden has dementia

Fact Check: "Biden has dementia"

What We Know

The claim that President Joe Biden has dementia stems from various reports and a recent book titled Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. This book discusses Biden's alleged cognitive decline and how his inner circle reportedly attempted to conceal it from the public (NPR).

In addition to anecdotal evidence from the book, there have been instances where Biden appeared to struggle with memory during public engagements. For example, audio recordings from an investigation in 2023 revealed Biden having difficulty recalling significant events from his life, such as the year he left office as vice president and the date of his son Beau's death (BBC). Furthermore, a report by Special Counsel Robert Hur described Biden as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," which has raised concerns about his cognitive abilities (BBC).

Analysis

The evidence surrounding Biden's cognitive health is mixed and often anecdotal. The book by Tapper and Thompson presents a narrative that suggests a systematic effort to downplay Biden's cognitive issues, citing specific instances where he struggled to recall names and events (NPR). However, it is important to note that the authors have a vested interest in the narrative they present, which may introduce bias.

Moreover, the claim of dementia is a serious one that requires clinical diagnosis rather than speculation based on public appearances or anecdotal evidence. While some of Biden's public performances have raised eyebrows, especially during debates (AP News), the White House has consistently defended his capabilities, stating that he has not failed to perform presidential duties due to mental decline (NPR).

The sources reporting on Biden's alleged cognitive decline vary in reliability. The book by Tapper and Thompson, while based on interviews and observations, is framed within a critical context of Biden's presidency and may not provide a balanced view. In contrast, reports from established news outlets like BBC and NPR offer corroborative accounts of Biden's memory lapses but lack a definitive medical diagnosis of dementia.

Conclusion

The claim that "Biden has dementia" is Partially True. There are credible reports and observations indicating that Biden has experienced memory lapses and cognitive challenges, particularly as he ages. However, there is no formal diagnosis of dementia from a medical professional, and the White House maintains that he is capable of fulfilling his presidential duties. Thus, while there are legitimate concerns regarding his cognitive health, labeling it as dementia without clinical confirmation is misleading.

Fact Check: Biden has dementia