CNN’s Kasie Hunt asked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer about Joe Biden’s reported health decline on Tuesday as new details surface about the lead-up to the former president dropping his reelection bid last year.
Hunt noted that Schumer got “up close and personal” with Biden during a meeting in the White House back in February 2024, several months prior to the former president’s train wreck debate performance three months later.
“Did you really not have any idea that he was not fit to serve a second term?” Hunt asked.
“Kasie, we’re looking forward,” replied Schumer as he deflected questions on Biden.
Hunt cited an upcoming book (“Original Sin”) by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson that accuses the White House of covering up Biden’s deteriorating health before his debate with Donald Trump in June 2024.
The performance sparked public concerns over Biden’s ability to serve a second term, leading top Democrats to pressure him to drop his bid less than a month later.
Summaries of — and excerpts from — the new book reveal that Biden confused at least two of his officials along with failing to recognize George Clooney at a June 2024 fundraiser. There were also reportedly internal discussions about “putting” Biden in a wheelchair.
Hunt noted that Schumer and other Democrats — including House Minority Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) — were reportedly talking prior to the debate about having a “plan” on Biden, discussions that Schumer denied happening.
Schumer — who initially rallied behind the Biden-Harris ticket just after the debate — reportedly went on to visit Biden in July at his Delaware vacation home, “urging” him not to run again amid growing concerns about his health.
On Tuesday, the senator tried to keep questions about Biden in the past.
“We have the largest Medicaid cut in front of us, we have the whole federal government at risk,” Schumer said.
“Right, but you’re facing all of this because you lost a presidential election,” Hunt reminded Schumer. “And is that not Joe Biden’s responsibility for deciding to run again?”
“We’re looking forward,” Schumer replied.
“That’s it?” Hunt asked.
“That’s it,” Schumer said.
