Biden, an "elderly man with a poor memory." Now what?

The MoJo Daily newsletter, Monday through Friday. [View in browser]( [Mother Jones Daily Newsletter](     February 9, 2024 The White House is seething after a yearlong investigation into President Biden's handling of classified documents painted a [scathing portrait of an "elderly man with a poor memory.](" A last-minute press conference that sought to convince people that the president is far from that description pretty much backfired, and some are calling this moment a boon for Donald Trump. So two things: Special counsel Robert Hur's findings, though heavily editorialized, are not great for Biden. His angry response, during which he once again mixed up names and appeared bitterly defensive, was yet another stumble for the 81-year-old president, an age, like it or not, that qualifies as elderly. ([This isn't the devil's math; it's fact](.) I am of the humble opinion that to disagree with these points, as many Biden supporters have done, is to dabble in a bizarre fantasy that ignores the president's ongoing record of [fumbles](, [gaffes](, and yes, apparent memory lapses. Does this mean I don't question the [twice-impeached racist plague's]( mental faculties? Absolutely not; that man's mind genuinely frightens me. But is this truly a "gold mine" for the Trump campaign, as some [Democratic strategists are warning](? My colleague Abby Vesoulis talked to one insider who, speaking on the condition of anonymity, called Thursday "[Trump’s best day since Biden has been president.](" But I have some trouble believing this. After all, are there any Trump voters out there who aren't already questioning Biden's age and faculties? As for independents, did they require a special counsel's report to inform them of what is already widely perceived? In all honesty, I don't think the report evinced much. But I can't say the same thing for Biden's reaction, which came across as resentful and sad. —Inae Oh Advertisement [House Donations Ad]( [Top Story] [Top Story]( [Biden’s Justice Department Just Handed the Trump Campaign a Gold Mine]( On claims Biden misused classified documents, there will be no legal consequences—but damning political ones look likely. BY ABBY VESOULIS MOJO MUST-LISTENS BY REVEAL   Mother Jones and The Center for Investigative Reporting are [joining forces](! [Subscribe to the weekly investigative Reveal podcast](, which is produced in the same newsroom as Mother Jones. Each episode brings to light untold stories and critical issues, with meticulous research and compelling storytelling. Stay informed and engaged with the world around you. [Subscribe today]( and never miss an episode of Reveal, where truth and storytelling meet. [Trending] [Does Justice Brett Kavanaugh think Trump can be prosecuted?]( BY STEPHANIE MENCIMER   [Trump killed abortion rights. But voters still don’t blame him.]( BY JULIANNE MCSHANE   [A bunch of new research puts this winter's wild weather in frightening context]( BY HENRY CARNELL   Advertisement [House Subscriptions Ad]( [Special Feature] [Special Feature]( [Donald Trump, stochastic terrorist]( He demonizes his foes—and that makes them possible targets of violence. BY DAVID CORN [Fiercely Independent] Support from readers allows Mother Jones to do journalism that doesn't just follow the pack. [Donate]( Did you enjoy this newsletter? Help us out by [forwarding]( it to a friend or sharing it on [Facebook]({{public_share('fbshare')}}) and [Twitter]({{public_share('twitter','Check out this newsletter from Mother Jones!')}}). [Mother Jones]( [Donate]( [Donate Monthly]( [Subscribe]( This message was sent to {EMAIL}. To change the messages you receive from us, you can [edit your email preferences]( or [unsubscribe from all mailings.]( For advertising opportunities see our online [media kit.]( Were you forwarded this email? [Sign up for Mother Jones' newsletters today.]( [www.MotherJones.com]( PO Box 8539, Big Sandy, TX 75755