The White House is fighting back against a critical report from a special counsel investigation into President Joe Biden’s retention of classified documents. The report portrayed Biden as an “elderly man with a poor memory,” prompting accusations of political bias from Biden’s team.
What was the special counsel investigation about?
The probe examined Biden’s improper storage of classified documents. Some papers from his time as vice president were found at his Delaware home and private office.
Appointed special counsels are meant to be impartial. But Biden’s supporters say this report went beyond its scope to unfairly malign the president.
What exactly did the report say about Biden?
The report called Biden “a well-meaning but elderly man who was simply confused or forgot the relevant details surrounding his possession and mishandling of classified documents.”
It cited instances of Biden forgetting details and mixing up facts. But it stated there was no evidence Biden intentionally mishandled classified papers.
How did the White House respond to the report?
Vice President Kamala Harris called the report’s portrayal of Biden “politically motivated.”
White House spokesperson Ian Sams said the report’s criticisms of Biden were “gratuitous and inappropriate.” He suggested the special counsel faced pressure to editorialize beyond his role.
Biden himself reacted angrily the night before, saying his memory was sound. But he then mixed up two foreign leaders, inadvertently proving the report’s point.
Why does the report matter politically?
It fuels Republican claims that Biden is mentally unfit for office at age 81. They say the report proves he lacks the acuity and recall required for the presidency.
With Biden’s approval rating low, there are also worries the portrayal could further damage him ahead of the 2024 election.
What’s the controversy around the special counsel?
Special counsel Robert Hur is a Republican lawyer appointed by then-President Donald Trump. This raises questions about his impartiality from Democrats.
Biden’s team notes that Hur’s report uncovered no criminality, yet still included unnecessary criticism of the president’s mental faculties.
Trump faces his own special counsel investigation into retaining classified documents. The White House claims there is a clear double standard.
How are Biden’s defenders reacting?
Vice President Harris and Democratic lawmakers argued Hur’s words were a partisan attempt to harm Biden’s reputation.
They said the “elderly man with poor memory” narrative is inaccurate. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called it untethered from reality.
But Biden’s angry response and incorrect statements have also drawn concern from some allies about his handling of the issue.
What happens next?
Congressional Republicans are still demanding more information on Biden’s document retention. Some have called on him to resign.
Meanwhile, Biden’s team vows to vigorously challenge the report’s characterizations of the president as he gears up for an expected 2024 reelection campaign.
The special counsel report has clearly struck a nerve in the White House. Biden’s memory and mental fitness will likely remain a point of scrutiny and political vulnerability going forward.