In a recent interview, former First Lady Jill Biden discussed her initial fears during President Joe Biden’s 2024 debate with Donald Trump, where she worried he might have suffered a stroke. Despite these concerns, she publicly praised his performance immediately after the debate.
Public Support Amid Private Concerns
During an appearance on NBC’s ‘Today,’ Jill Biden was questioned by co-host Craig Melvin about her decision to commend her husband’s debate showing, despite her private fears. Melvin presented a clip from the debate aftermath where she praised Joe Biden for answering all questions. Jill Biden explained her role as a supportive spouse, stating, “I had to lift him up. I’m not going to get out on the stage there and say, ‘Joe, you really screwed that up.'”
She further elaborated on her thought process, saying, “I want to say the things that are true. And so I said, you know, ‘You answered every question.'” Melvin noted that this was a “pretty low bar,” to which Jill Biden responded, “I couldn’t come out and publicly say, ‘Joe, you did a terrible job in that debate.'”
Reflecting on the Decision to Run
Jill Biden also reflected on whether she would have advised her husband differently regarding his decision to run for a second term. She emphasized that the decision was ultimately Joe Biden’s, noting, “It had to be his decision alone, because he had to live with that decision the rest of his life.” She acknowledged the family’s input, particularly from their grandchildren, but reiterated that the choice to run was Joe’s.
Her comments come after she revealed in a previous interview that she was frightened during the debate, thinking, “Oh my God, he’s having a stroke.” This fear was unprecedented for her, as she had never seen Joe Biden in such a state before or since.
The debate performance and subsequent health concerns played a significant role in Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race. Jill Biden’s reflections highlight the personal and familial challenges faced during this period.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
