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WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Thursday responded to a special counsel report that described him as an elderly person with “declining capacities,” including memory loss, saying, “That’s not what this report is about.” He reacted angrily.
“My memory is fine,” Biden said in a prime-time address to the nation. “Look at what I’ve done since I became president.”
Biden’s rebuttal came in previously unreleased White House remarks. Earlier Thursday, Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Hur acquitted Biden of charges of possessing classified documents, citing Biden’s “poor memory” in part.
“I don’t know what the irrelevant comments are saying,” said Biden, 81. “This report has nothing to do with that. The bottom line is that this problem has already been resolved.”
Mr. Biden was visibly shaken throughout his 14-minute remarks, but became particularly emotional when referring to Mr. Xu’s report’s claim that Mr. Became.
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more:Justice Department report delves into Biden’s mishandling of classified documents, ‘deteriorating memory’: 5 points
![President Joe Biden speaks about the special counsel's report in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on February 8, 2024 in Washington, DC.](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/02/09/USAT/72530484007-afp-1988741212-1.jpg?width=660&height=435&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
“There’s also a statement that he doesn’t remember when his son died,” Biden said, his voice choking. “How on earth could he say something like that? Frankly, when I was asked that question, I thought to myself, it’s none of their business.”
“Nobody needs to remind me that he’s gone,” Biden added through gritted teeth.
Biden’s critics used the special counsel’s report to reinforce concerns among voters about his age ahead of the 2024 election. This issue had already become one of his biggest responsibilities.
Mr. Biden also rejected Mr. Heo’s conclusion that Mr. Biden “intentionally retained” the classified material but only escaped prosecution because a jury was likely to find a reasonable doubt.
“Since the report was released, I have seen headlines about my intentional document retention. These claims are not only misleading, they are flat-out false,” Biden said.
more:Biden not charged with keeping classified records, but Justice Department criticizes ‘risk to national security’
When asked about his memory, Biden became more confrontational with reporters after giving his prepared remarks.
Asked whether the report would cause more concerns about his age ahead of the 2024 election, Biden shot back: “Only some people.”
“That’s your decision. That’s your decision. That’s not the press’s decision,” Biden said in response to a second reporter’s question about voters’ concerns about his age.
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