Staff Reports
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who left Congress in January, provided a frank assessment of President Joe Biden’s mental faculties, sharing that the President relied on notes during their meetings. McCarthy, appearing on Fox News, commented that Biden is a different person compared to when he was vice president a decade ago. The California Republican recalled how Biden would stick to a script during their brief time working together, expressing concern about the President’s reliance on notes during their meetings.
McCarthy noted that Biden’s manner of discourse has changed, with the President reading from cards and struggling to continue if the conversation deviated from the prepared notes. Additionally, he raised questions about Biden’s physical state, indicating that compared to his own gait, the President’s physical condition may differ. Despite these critiques, McCarthy expressed gratitude for Biden’s years of service.
Biden unable to negotiate in meetings and has to stay on script, McCarthy says: ‘He just sticks to the cards’ https://t.co/6Fm2LC5vJt via @dcexaminer
— J. Metz (@Metz1245John) February 29, 2024
McCarthy’s remarks mark the first instance of a former or current Congressional leader providing insight into Biden’s performance in private meetings. While Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson have criticized the President, they have refrained from offering personal perspectives on his mental acuity.
