President Joe Biden’s recent speech in Las Vegas, Nevada, regarding his plan to lower housing costs for American families drew attention for an unexpected reason. During his address, Biden veered off-topic, sharing a disjointed story about being labeled the “poorest man in Congress” for 36 years. The narrative included a phone call with his wife while campaigning in New Hampshire and a newspaper headline highlighting his financial status.
In another development, a report from NBC News has raised concerns about Biden’s mental acuity. According to the report, Biden expressed frustration and anger during a closed-door meeting in January upon learning that he was trailing behind Trump in battleground states like Georgia and Michigan. The report suggests discord within Biden’s re-election campaign, particularly regarding strategy amid record-low approval ratings and various challenges such as inflation, migrant issues, and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has further complicated matters, with some Democrats expressing dissatisfaction with his stance. In a private meeting at the White House, Biden reportedly reacted strongly to feedback about his declining support from pro-Palestinian Democrats, particularly in battleground states.
“I had the [inaudible] things to be listed as the poorest man in Congress for 36 years. I got a phone call, my wife was campaigning. I was campaigning up in New Hampshire back when that statistic came out in the nineties. And she called — I used to call them because the kids were little when I was away, and say, how’s everything going? I got this, fine. You know you’re in trouble when your wife or husband says ‘fine.’ I said, ‘what’s the matter?’ She said, ‘only elected officials’ husband and wife understand this,’” Biden began.
“She said ‘Did you read today’s paper?’ I said, ‘they don’t have today’s paper, Wilmington paper, Delaware, up in — up in — with Lahey, I’m with Lahey from Vermont.’ And she said ‘well, let me read it. Top of the fold, headline: Biden, poorest man in Congress. Is that true?’ I don’t know if it’s true, but it turned out it was true,” he added.
Concerns about Biden’s age and physical fitness have also surfaced, with suggestions from his inner circle to walk faster to avoid perceptions of frailty. Biden’s previous falls have prompted precautionary measures, including the use of a shortened staircase for boarding the presidential jet.
Despite his team’s confidence in his ability to defeat Trump in a potential rematch, Biden’s approval ratings remain low, raising doubts about his prospects for re-election. Recent Gallup surveys indicate Biden’s approval rating hovering around 38 percent, lower than his predecessors who failed to secure a second term.
