Biden Debate Disaster Raises Concerns About Cognitive Fitness

In the aftermath of a disastrous debate performance, former Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel questions President Biden's mental acuity and suggests the need for cognitive testing for both candidates.

Former Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel, a 94-year-old Democrat, has expressed deep concerns about President Biden's mental fitness after witnessing last week's presidential debate.

Biden Debate Disaster Raises Concerns About Cognitive Fitness

Speaking on 770 WABC radio's "The Cats Roundtable," Rangel stated that he has "never been more shocked and embarrassed by any presidential debate than I was last Thursday." He characterized Biden's performance as "damned confused" and questioned whether he "knew where the hell he was at."

Rangel, who served in Congress from 1971 to 2017, suggested that both Biden and his opponent, former President Donald Trump, undergo cognitive tests to evaluate their fitness for office. Trump is 78 years old, just three years younger than Biden.

Biden Debate Disaster Raises Concerns About Cognitive Fitness

Concern over Biden's cognitive abilities has been growing, particularly among liberals who believe he is too old for the presidency. The New York Times, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and even some Democrats have called for Biden to step aside.

The debate performance has further fueled these concerns. Biden frequently stumbled over his answers, at one point froze and said, "I beat Medicare."

Biden Debate Disaster Raises Concerns About Cognitive Fitness

Rangel acknowledged that Biden's performance was particularly troubling since Trump could potentially face prison time for his conviction in the Stormy Daniels hush money case. However, he stressed that despite their flaws, voters in battleground states will likely stick with their party nominees.

"If Trump is in jail, Republicans will vote for him. If Biden is in a nursing home, [the Democrats] are going to vote for him," Rangel said.

Biden Debate Disaster Raises Concerns About Cognitive Fitness

Rangel noted that Biden appeared much sharper on the campaign trail the day after the debate, leaving him puzzled about the stark difference in performance.

Despite his concerns, Rangel remains hesitant to abandon Biden entirely, recognizing his effectiveness on the stump. However, he expressed hope that the president might consider a cognitive test to address the growing doubts about his mental fitness.

Biden Debate Disaster Raises Concerns About Cognitive Fitness

Rangel's comments underscore the growing scrutiny surrounding Biden's age and mental acuity, adding to the debate about whether he should seek re-election in 2024.