Quick Hit:
President Biden has not held a full Cabinet meeting since October 2023, amidst reports of pre-scripted discussions and concerns over his cognitive abilities.
Key Details:
Diving Deeper:
President Joe Biden's administration faces increasing scrutiny over the lack of a full Cabinet meeting for the past nine months. Despite assurances from Cabinet members about Biden’s acuity behind closed doors, reports suggest these meetings are anything but spontaneous. Sources indicate that discussions are meticulously arranged beforehand.
The Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell highlighted his lack of direct communication with Biden since May 2022. The situation is further complicated by a public plea from congressional Democrats and cultural figures like actor George Clooney, questioning Biden's suitability to continue as the party's presidential nominee due to perceived declines in his cognitive state.
Supporters of the administration, including Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and a White House official, defend the practice of scripting meetings as a method to ensure efficiency and avoid redundancy. They claim it is a common practice across different administrations, aiming to streamline discussions and focus on substantive issues without unnecessary surprises.
However, the sporadic meetings and scripted interactions contrast with claims from Cabinet members like Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who praises Biden's sharpness and attention to detail during these meetings. The narrative of a well-prepared yet seldom-seen President raises significant concerns as Biden faces increasing scrutiny over his cognitive health, especially following a debate performance that reignited debates over his capability to lead.