Audio Sheds New Light on Biden’s Mental State
Newly released audio reveals what transcripts could not—Joe Biden’s voice faltering and long silences echoing through the Map Room. These recordings from October 2023 interviews with Special Counsel Robert Hur are reigniting concern over Biden’s cognitive health during his final year in office.
Long Interviews, Stark Impressions
Axios obtained two three-hour sessions in which Biden was questioned about his handling of classified documents. The former president struggled to recall key dates—when his son Beau died, when he left the vice presidency, and when Donald Trump was elected.
Silence, Pauses, and Prompts
The audio captures more than just words. It presents a halting voice, long pauses, and slurred phrases. Biden’s attorneys frequently stepped in, helping him recall basic facts, including Beau’s 2015 death and the 2016 election. The ticking of a grandfather clock underscores the tension in the room.
Public Reaction: Swift and Emotional
Online reaction was immediate. One user wrote, “This is absolutely terrifying audio.” Another said, “It’s heartbreaking. A transcript couldn’t capture this trainwreck.” Some expressed sadness for an elderly man battling memory loss. Others blamed those around him for allowing it to continue.
A Republican commenter compared Biden’s decline to asking someone without legs to walk, saying the responsibility lies with Democratic leaders, liberal media, and even his own family.
Critics Raise Alarms Over 2024
Some voiced outrage. They said Biden couldn’t maintain a coherent thought and shouldn’t run for another four-year term. One user called the situation “a betrayal to the country.”
Joe Biden delivering remarks during an event celebrating the 2022 and 2023 National Humanities Medals and National Medals of Arts recipients in the East Room of the White House on October 21, 2024, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Book Alleges Cover-Up
These revelations follow the release of Original Sin, a book by Axios’s Alex Thompson and CNN’s Jake Tapper. It alleges Democratic leaders and national media worked to hide Biden’s mental decline during his 2024 re-election campaign.
Revealing Remark on Obama and Clinton
In the audio, Biden recalls Barack Obama discouraging his 2016 presidential bid, claiming Hillary Clinton had a better shot. The comment added political weight to an already sensitive recording.
Special Counsel’s Assessment
Biden’s long pauses and memory gaps shaped Hur’s conclusion: Biden would appear to a jury as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” Hur cited this as a key reason not to pursue criminal charges—despite Biden’s improper handling of classified material. Republicans were outraged, especially as Donald Trump faced charges for a similar offense.
Congress Responds
House Oversight Chairman James Comer announced a renewed investigation. The panel will refocus on top aides Annie Tomasini, Anthony Bernal, and Ashley Williams, who allegedly shielded Biden from scrutiny. Lawmakers are also seeking testimony from Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor.
Although they subpoenaed the audio, Attorney General Merrick Garland refused to comply, heightening Republican frustration.
Trump Reacts on Truth Social
Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social. In a fiery post, he attacked the use of the autopen—a mechanical signature device—calling it a growing scandal. He tied it to Biden’s cognitive decline and the 2020 election, alleging a widespread cover-up.
