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The president said in an interview on ABC that he was “sick” and “feeling terrible” before the debate. Asked whether it was a bad episode or a sign of a more serious condition, Biden dismissed those concerns.

“It was a bad episode. No indication of any serious condition. I didn’t listen to my instincts in terms of preparing, and I had a bad night,” he said.

In the interview, Biden also gave more details about how he was feeling at the time of the debate, saying he was fatigued from illness and had even been tested for Covid-19.

He said, “Because I was sick – I was feeling terrible. As a matter of fact, the docs with me I asked if they did a Covid test, they were trying to figure out what’s wrong. They did a test to see whether or not I had some infection, you know, a virus. I didn’t. I just had a really bad cold.”

. . . Biden came face-to-face with voter concerns just before the ABC interview, as he was taking the stage at a campaign rally in Wisconsin. A rally attendee unfurled a sign reading, “Pass the torch, Joe.” The sign was visible for a few moments before someone else tried to cover part of it with a Biden-Harris sign.

Biden’s speech during that rally was animated and energetic – though he seemed to realize that each of his words would be parsed and carefully scrutinized in this politically crucial period. He vowed to “beat Trump again in 2020” before quickly realizing his mistake and correcting himself: “By the way, we’re gonna do it again in 2024.”

. . . Biden said unnamed forces are “trying to push him out of the race.”

“Well, let me say this as quick as I can,” he added. “I’m staying in the race.”

That point was punctuated by the song that played as Biden’s speech concluded: Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”

  • Zaktor@sopuli.xyz
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    10 days ago

    Asked whether it was a bad episode or a sign of a more serious condition, Biden dismissed those concerns.

    This is a bad word choice (from Pelosi originally). Episodes are things that happen multiple times. And commonly used to describe dementia. They’re signs of a serious condition. Having an episode is not reassuring (but he wasn’t presented with a “isolated event” option).

    They did a test to see whether or not I had some infection, you know, a virus. I didn’t. I just had a really bad cold.

    A cold is a viral infection. And usually has symptoms other than cognitive failure. I assume they’ve realized that “12-day jet lag” isn’t a good excuse for someone who needs to fly often.

  • cyd@lemmy.world
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    10 days ago

    Seems like the interview didn’t go bad enough to force Biden out, but also not good enough to reassure anyone who had doubts about him. The Biden campaign death march continues.

  • givesomefucks@lemmy.world
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    10 days ago

    Bruh said he had a neurological exam every day.

    Was asked if he’d tak an independent neurological exam.

    Said he’s never had one and doesn’t need one.

    Then said he had a neurological exam everyday.

    Was asked again.

    Said “watch me”

    Was asked if his answer was “no”…

    And Biden said hes already done it.

    https://www.youtube.com/live/k8LoAsHz-Mc?si=qT1crNF0zoZsEMXK&t=480

    But I encourage everyone to start at the beginning and watch the whole interview.

    • Coach@lemmy.world
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      10 days ago

      The least he can do is lie consistently…like Trump.

      Seriously though, I don’t think this sanitized version of Biden is instilling the confidence I need to move forward with him as our candidate.

      So who next, folks? Let’s do this messy little thing called “saving democracy.”

      • givesomefucks@lemmy.world
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        10 days ago

        Seriously though, I don’t think this sanitized version of Biden is instilling the confidence I need to move forward with him as our candidate.

        Too bad.

        He said twice that only “The Lord God coming down” would make him step aside.

        He claimed to not know about any polls or reports of Dem voters not being happy with him.

        He ain’t stepping aside. And I don’t think the people he appointed to the DNC have the balls to change candidates against his will.

        Seriously, watch the video. He’s flat out rejecting reality now, refuses to even contemplate the validity of someone questioning if an 81 year who just did four years as Pres would be up for round two.

        The scary part is, I think he believes it. He’s not just lying to get elected, I think he legit believed everything he said tonight. And that’s worse, and a lot scarier.

        Edit:

        So who next, folks? Let’s do this messy little thing called “saving democracy.”

        I think if the DNC boots Biden, they’ll go to Kamala.

        Cody Johnston (cracked editor from 20 years ago when Cracked was good) put out a new podcast today, and honestly he made the most convincing argument for her that I’ve heard.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jic_uL3-q4

        I don’t want her to be president, but she’s got a lot better chance at beating trump than Biden does.

  • jordanlund@lemmy.worldM
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    10 days ago

    He had a couple of vacant eyed, slack jawed moments like he wasn’t 100% sure what was going on, but it wasn’t as bad as the debate.