In a candid interview with CBS News, former First Lady Jill Biden shared her concerns about her husband, former President Joe Biden’s performance during the 2024 presidential debate against Donald Trump. Jill Biden revealed that she was alarmed by Joe Biden’s demeanor during the debate, fearing he might be experiencing a stroke. ‘I was frightened, because I had never ever seen Joe like that before or since. Never,’ she stated.

Concerns Over Health

The debate, which took place nearly two years ago, was a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential race. Joe Biden, then 81, faced scrutiny over his age and health. During the debate, he struggled with his speech, stumbling over words and delivering unclear responses. This performance raised concerns about his ability to serve a second term.

Despite the initial reaction, the Biden campaign and Jill Biden herself attempted to downplay the incident. At a post-debate event, Jill Biden praised her husband’s performance, stating, ‘Joe, you did such a great job. You answered every question. You knew all the facts.’

Aftermath and Withdrawal

Following the debate, Joe Biden acknowledged his age-related challenges, admitting, ‘I’m not a young man. I don’t walk as easily as I used to. I don’t talk as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to.’ However, the pressure mounted, and less than four weeks after the debate, Biden withdrew from the race, endorsing his vice president, Kamala Harris.

The interview with Jill Biden coincides with the upcoming release of her memoir, ‘View from the East Wing,’ which provides insights into her time in the White House. The memoir tour is set to begin on June 2.

In previous interviews, both Joe and Jill Biden have defended his cognitive abilities, dismissing claims of decline as unfounded. Jill Biden emphasized the demanding nature of his presidential schedule, highlighting his dedication and hard work.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.