During a recent MSNBC segment, an MSNBC reporter fact-checked anchor Joe Scarborough on his defense of President Joe Biden’s mental capacity in light of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s comments on Biden’s “poor memory.” Hur’s report, released on Thursday, described Biden as a “well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory” and highlighted instances where he forgot key details about his vice presidency and his son Beau’s death. Despite noting Biden’s willful possession of classified material, Hur concluded that “no criminal charges are warranted.”
Scarborough, a staunch defender of Biden’s mental acuity, criticized Hur’s accusation as “Trump-like” and questioned the inclusion of a neurological assessment in the report. He likened it to James Comey’s actions in 2016, suggesting it was politically motivated.
MSNBC reporter Ken Dilanian responded, acknowledging Scarborough’s concerns and offering an explanation provided by Justice Department officials. Dilanian explained that if Hur found evidence of Biden willfully retaining classified information, dating back to 2017, he needed to address why no charges were filed. Biden was recorded telling a ghostwriter about classified documents in his possession. However, Biden claimed he had forgotten about it, leading to the need for an explanation from Hur.
Despite the clarification, Scarborough took to social media to express his disagreement with Hur’s assessment, calling it a mistake. Scarborough accused Hur of attempting to “politically” charge Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Concerns about President Biden’s mental and physical health have become prominent among voters, with an NBC News poll indicating that 62% of voters have “major concerns” about the president’s mental health. Another poll showed a decline in voters’ perceptions of Biden’s competency and effectiveness since the 2020 election.
