A CNN panel erupted in a heated debate on Wednesday over President Biden's cognitive abilities and his decision to bow out of the 2024 presidential race.
A CNN panel on Wednesday got into a heated debate over whether President Biden has experienced cognitive decline. The discussion followed Biden's first public appearance since he decided not to seek re-election in 2024.
Commentator Ana Navarro insisted questions about Biden's health and decline were all "speculation" because she had spent time with him and believed he was capable of doing the job. However, presidential historian Tim Naftali argued that Biden did not have to drop out of the race but did so in order to unify his party.
CNN Panel Erupts in Heated Debate over Biden's Cognitive Decline and Re-election Decision
The Manhattan Institute's Reihan Salam pushed back against Naftali's assertion, saying it was "so obviously false" and that Biden was "manifestly incapable" of performing the duties of the presidency.
"Tell me how you know he’s manifestly incapable?" Naftali shot back.
CNN Panel Erupts in Heated Debate over Biden's Cognitive Decline and Re-election Decision
Salam pointed to Biden's widely discussed decline and raised concerns about who is actually in charge at the White House. He questioned the notion that Biden is only sharp for six hours a day, arguing that this is an incredibly volatile moment and Biden's failures have contributed to the situation.
Navarro jumped in to attack Salam's thinking, noting that she had spent time with the president and witnessed him after a series of events.
CNN Panel Erupts in Heated Debate over Biden's Cognitive Decline and Re-election Decision
"No. Everything you're saying, I'm sorry, is speculation," Navarro, also a co-host on "The View," said. "It is speculation! It is speculation! Because actually, unlike you, I’ve actually seen the guy at 9:00 at night. I have seen him after he has had five different events in 24 hours."
Salam questioned whether spending time with Biden clouded Navarro's judgment, suggesting that it might make her less objective.
Navarro argued that her firsthand experience with the president gave her a better perspective than those who were simply reading gossip and speculation.
Former NY Lt. Gov. Betsy McCaughey also entered the debate, arguing that Biden's debate performance showed he was "clearly incompetent" and unable to answer questions.
As the panelists continued to argue and speak over one another, Ashley Allison, who worked for the Biden-Harris campaign in 2020, interjected, asking when the panelists had last met with Biden.
"The story that Joe Biden is lying to the public is not – when was the last time you were with Joe Biden? When was the last time you were with Joe Biden?" Allison said.
Salam added that many Democrats in Congress were frightened and afraid in October 2021 because Biden could not clearly communicate a case for passing major legislation, a skill he had specialized in during the Obama administration.
The heated debate underscores the ongoing concerns and speculation surrounding Biden's cognitive abilities and his fitness for office, particularly in light of his recent decision not to seek re-election.
