Why We Should Not Be Concerned About Joe Biden's Cognitive Health

Since the start of Joe Biden's presidency, a false narrative has circulated in media circles claiming that the sitting U.S. President is experiencing cognitive decline. This narrative has been fueled by certain media outlets and pundits who seem bent on discrediting Mr. Biden for political reasons. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this narrative is nothing more than a figment of some critics' imaginations.

Addressing Media Bias and False Narratives

I am writing to express my concern about the current narrative surrounding President Joe Biden, especially as it appears in your publication. It is disheartening to see how media bias and false narratives continue to dominate public discourse, particularly when it comes to a high-profile figure like the President himself. This media bias, often seen in publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, is not new, but it has reached new heights in recent months.

It is important to acknowledge the role that media bias has played in shaping this narrative. Despite President Biden's strong performance in various events and debates, some journalists and pundits have consistently pointed to supposed cognitive deficits as a reason for his perceived decline in abilities. Such a portrayal not only hurts the President but also undermines the quality of journalism in our nation.

Understanding President Biden's Public Speaking Challenges

One of the most frequently cited examples of cognitive decline is President Biden's public speaking challenges. While it is true that he has always struggled with public speaking, his issues are more accurately described as fluency disorders, which can also be referred to as "verbal cluttering." These disfluencies, such as stuttering, leaving out words or syllables, and transposing words, are common and do not indicate cognitive decline. In fact, many public figures, including former President Barack Obama, have faced similar challenges.

It is crucial to educate the public about what fluency disorders are and how they impact individuals, rather than misrepresenting them as signs of cognitive decline. Highlighting the President's strong performance in areas where he is comfortable, such as delivering speeches and addressing policy issues, puts his public speaking issues into perspective. For instance, during his State of the Union address, President Biden demonstrated his ability to articulate complex ideas and address the nation effectively.

Accusing the President of Cognitive Decline as Misguided

A recent example of such misguided accusations can be seen in the interview with Robert Hur. During this interview, which was conducted on October 8th, 2023, it is important to note that the day prior, on October 7th, was the day of the Hamas attack. This timing, along with the emotional weight of the situation, could have contributed to the President's appearance of preoccupation or absent-mindedness. It is unfair to dismiss such natural reactions without considering the context of the event.

Furthermore, the idea that commentators and journalists are in a position to diagnose cognitive health issues is deeply troubling. Such accusations, often based on brief interviews or lack of eye contact, are unsupported and inappropriate. It suggests a level of scrutiny and judgment that is not borne out by credible medical evidence.

Implications for Democracy and Trust in Government

The consequences of perpetuating a false narrative about the cognitive health of the President are significant. It not only disrespects the President and his administration but also erodes public trust in government and media. When the voices of the press descend to such low standards, they undermine the very principles of democratic governance.

It is essential for journalists and media outlets to uphold a high standard of integrity and fairness in their reporting. Instead of tearing down public figures for political reasons, they should focus on substantive issues that truly impact the country. Accusing President Biden of cognitive decline based on selective and incomplete information is a form of groupthink that does a disservice to the American people and the democratic process.

As citizens, we have a responsibility to hold media outlets accountable for their reporting. If we continue to allow false narratives to gain traction, we risk losing the trust that is essential for a healthy democracy. It is time for the media to step up, provide accurate and balanced reporting, and respect the office of the President and the individuals in it.