Former President Bill Clinton dismissed claims that President Joe Biden suffered mental or physical decline during his presidency. In a June 1 interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Clinton said he “saw President Biden not very long ago, and I thought he was in good shape.” He stated he never had doubts about Biden’s fitness to serve, citing multiple in-depth conversations as evidence.
Clinton addressed allegations from the book Original Sin—by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson—that described Biden’s performance as faltering and claimed a White House “inner circle” was managing day-to-day affairs. Clinton said he did not read the book and believes its narrative is politically motivated, aimed at assigning blame for Donald Trump’s reelection.
He acknowledged Biden, at 82, faces an “enormous” job but affirmed he remained on top of his briefings. Clinton said his sole concern was whether anyone could sustain the presidency until age 86, but said Biden “was always on top of his briefs” and never gave him reason to question his capabilities.
This public endorsement comes amid growing scrutiny over Biden’s age and health, especially after his June 2024 debate performance and recent prostate cancer diagnosis. Congressional Republicans have initiated inquiries into his mental acuity and reliance on aides. Clinton’s remarks offer a prominent counterpoint in that debate
