In the weeks and months leading up to President Biden’s widely criticized performance on the debate stage in Atlanta, there were observations from current and former officials and others who interacted with him privately. They noted instances where he appeared confused, listless, or lost track of conversations.
At 81, Mr. Biden has experienced occasional lapses in speech and memory, but these seemed to be escalating in frequency and severity. The lapses were more likely in large crowds or when he was fatigued from a hectic schedule. In the days leading up to the debate with former President Trump, Mr. Biden had a demanding travel schedule, which left him exhausted.
Despite these concerns, there were instances where Mr. Biden displayed sharpness and engagement, especially in critical national security situations. His interactions during the Iran missile crisis, for example, showed him in command and making decisive decisions.
While there were moments of disorientation and confusion, there were also times when Mr. Biden was alert and coherent, engaging in important discussions. However, the recent debate performance raised questions about his overall condition and ability to handle the pressures of the presidency.
Critics have pointed to Mr. Biden’s age and suggested that he may not be as sharp as he was when he took office. The White House has defended his health and fitness for duty, citing assessments from the White House physician.
The recent incidents have sparked concerns about Mr. Biden’s ability to handle tough foreign counterparts and lead effectively. Some have raised questions about whether his age and the demands of the presidency are taking a toll on his performance.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Biden continues to maintain a busy schedule and engage in important diplomatic efforts. While there have been moments of confusion and fatigue, there have also been instances where he has demonstrated clarity and decisiveness.
As the debate over his performance continues, it remains to be seen how Mr. Biden will navigate the demands of the presidency and address concerns about his health and fitness for office.
The reporting in this article was contributed by Michael D. Shear and Erica L. Green from Washington; Matina Stevis-Gridneff from Brussels; Catherine Porter and Roger Cohen from Paris; Sarah Maslin Nir and Steven Erlanger from Berlin; and Andrew E. Kramer from Kyiv.
