Interview Highlights

During the discussions held on October 8 and 9 for an ongoing investigation, Biden humorously referred to himself as a “young man,” despite being 82 years old. This lighthearted remark followed moments where he struggled to recall significant events, including:

• The year his son Beau passed away
• The end of his term as Vice President
• The date of Donald Trump’s election
• The reasons behind possessing classified documents

Audio Evidence and Transcripts

Axios released audio recordings from the interviews, showcasing Biden’s difficulty with memory, alongside instances of slurred speech. The transcripts from these interviews became public in March 2024.

Special Counsel’s Findings

Special Counsel Robert Hur, appointed by former Attorney General Merrick Garland, noted in his report released on February 5, 2024, that he chose not to pursue charges against Biden. Hur remarked that a jury might view the former president as a “sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.” The report acknowledged that documents were “willfully” obtained by Biden during his Vice Presidency and Senatorial term.

Biden’s Response

In a separate conversation with reporter Peter Doocy from Fox News, Biden defended his actions, stating, “I’m well-meaning and I’m an elderly man and I know what the hell I’m doing. I’ve been president, and I put this country back on its feet.”

Political Repercussions

The implications of the report and Biden’s public performances increased scrutiny from Republicans, questioning his mental fitness for office. Initially, members of the Democratic Party defended Biden’s capabilities, labeling the Hur report as politically motivated.

However, by mid-2024, as Biden faced criticism for his performance during a presidential debate against Trump, some Democrats urged him to withdraw from the re-election campaign. Ultimately, Biden announced his departure from the race in July, concluding his term while Vice President Kamala Harris was later defeated in the November elections.