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'Morning Joe' Claims Biden Is Mentally 'Sharper' Than Fmr. Speaker McCarthy

'Biden is far sharper, more intellectually curious, and far more insightful on global affairs than any House GOP speaker I have met over 30 years'

Published: June 5, 2024
  |   By Chris Bertman
'Morning Joe' Claims Biden Is Mentally 'Sharper' Than Fmr. Speaker McCarthy

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough claimed President Joe Biden was mentally "sharper" and "more insightful" than former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.


Scarborough, a former Florida representative and host of Morning Joe on MSNBC, took to X Wednesday morning in what appeared to be a response to The Wall Street Journal's (WSJ) Tuesday piece titled: "Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping."

WSJ's article, which surveyed over 45 people close to the White House, reported Biden "appears slower," and "has good moments and bad ones" when meeting with congressional leaders. McCarthy was included in those interviewed for the report, and noted Biden appeared to have declined since his time as vice president.

"I used to meet with him when he was vice president. I'd go to his house," McCarthy said. "He's not the same person."

Scarborough took aim at McCarthy and compared the former speaker with Biden's mental capability.

“I have spent a good bit of time talking to Kevin McCarthy through the years and hours with Biden in 2024. There is no comparison," Scarborough wrote. "Biden is far sharper, more intellectually curious, and far more insightful on global affairs than any House GOP speaker I have met over 30 years."


The MSNBC host's post was panned by a series of notable X users including Contributing Editor at The Spectator, Stephen L. Miller.

"They keep telling us how sharp he is and Biden keeps letting them down because we all have eyes and ears," Miller wrote.


"Democrats who met with Biden privately voiced concerned yesterday about his cognitive decline.," wrote Fox News contributor Joe Concha. "Two-thirds of American voters believe Biden's age and acuity is a major issue in this campaign."


In March, Scarborough similarly praised Biden's intellectual capability during MSNBC's coverage of Super Tuesday.

“I’ve said it for years now, he’s cogent,” Scarborough said. “But I undersold him when I said he was cogent. He’s far beyond cogent."

"In fact, I think he’s better than he’s ever been — intellectually, analytically — because he’s been around for fifty years," he added.


The MSNBC host also noted Biden has historically had a short temper, though claimed he had improved in his age.

"Sometimes that Irishman would get in front of the reasoning. Sometimes he would say things he didn’t want to say," Scarborough said before adding, "Eff you if you can't handle the truth."

"This version of Biden, intellectually, analytically, is the best Biden ever," Scarborough said. "Not a close second, and I’ve known him for years, the Brzezinskis have known him for 50 years.”

"If it weren't the truth, I wouldn't say it," he added.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates took issue with WSJ's article in a statement, per Axios.

"It's a little surprising that The Wall Street Journal thought it was breaking news when congressional Republicans told them the same false claims they've spouted on Fox News for years, but it's also telling that the only individuals willing to smear the President in this story are political opponents afraid to use their names — plus one proven liar," he said.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray also took issue with WSJ's story, noting she wasn't quoted in their report.

In early February, The Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report announcing they would not seek criminal charges against the president after finding evidence that Biden "willfully retained and disclosed classified materials" after his tenure as vice president. The report, released by special counsel Robert K. Hur, cited Biden was not in a "mental state of willfulness" as their reasoning to not bring charges against him.

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