Was It an 'Episode' or a 'Condition'? Jean-Pierre: 'A Cold and a Bad Night' (July 2, 2024)

At the first White House briefing after President Joe Biden’s June 27 debate, the questions were about his health. A reporter cited former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “Pelosi said, ‘It’s a legitimate question to ask if this is an episode or is — this is a condition.’ Which one is it?” [1]

“Well, what I can tell you is that he had a cold and a bad night. I would not see this as an episode,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre answered [1].

The video above shows part of the July 2, 2024, briefing. Quotes are from the official transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

”He Was Not Taking Any Cold Medication”

Reporters asked what Biden had taken. “What medications was he taking in the days or hours leading up to the debate?” one asked. “He was not taking any cold medication,” Jean-Pierre said [1].

“Was he taking any medication that would have interfered with his performance?” “He was not taking any cold medication. That is what I can speak to. I’ve asked the doc- — his doctor, and that’s what he stated to us,” she said [1].

”A Neurological Scan?”

“After the debate, did the president get exam-ed by a doctor, or did he get a neurological scan?” a reporter asked. “A neurological scan? Look, what I can say is that — just to take a step back, it was a bad night,” Jean-Pierre said [1].

“So, was the last time he was seen by a doctor, then, in February?” the reporter followed up. “I just don’t have anything beyond that — beyond the question of a neurological exam,” she said [1].

”Not Warranted”

Another reporter asked about “releasing a more robust set of medical records” or “something to show his mental acuity.” Jean-Pierre said Biden’s doctors had ruled out a cognitive test. “His team, who has said — the medical team said it is not warranted in this case,” she said [1].

“We understand it was a bad night. It is not uncommon for incumbents to have a bad night on their first debate,” Jean-Pierre added [1].

”What Happened That Night?”

“If it’s not a problem with his mental fitness, what happened that night? What did we see?” a reporter asked [1].

Jean-Pierre quoted Biden’s own words from after the debate: “He said, ‘I’m not as smooth as I used to be. I don’t debate as well as I used to. I don’t walk as easily as I used to.’” She added: “He understands that he’s not a young man, obviously” [1].

”Absolutely Not”

“Is anyone in the White House hiding information about the president’s health or his ability to do the job day to day?” a reporter asked. “Absolutely not,” Jean-Pierre said [1].

The reporter pressed: “And we’ve now gone several days where he has only done teleprompter comments.” Another asked why Biden would not take questions himself. “Why can’t he just come down here? The briefing room is 30 seconds away,” the reporter said [1].

When the reporter said all of Biden’s appearances since the debate were scripted, Jean-Pierre objected. “Not all,” she said. “I know. But you said ‘all.’ And not all.” The reporter answered: “Well, if you’re correcting me, then ‘most’” [1].

”More Than 40 Interviews”

A reporter asked about “systematic decisions to shield the president from the impromptu moments.” Jean-Pierre said: “Look, I — this year, the president has done more than 40 interviews. And unscripted — right? — those interviews are unscripted. He has done more than 500 gaggles — right? — of course, unscripted, talking directly to many of you” [1].

”Obama Was 51”

Jean-Pierre also leaned on former President Barack Obama. “And I will just quote what President Obama has stressed. Right? ‘Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know,’” she said [1].

“Thanks, Karine. Obama was 51 during that first —” a reporter began. Jean-Pierre cut in: “I kind of knew he would say that” [1].

”It’s a No”

The sharpest question came late. “Does President Biden, at 81 years old, have Alzheimer’s, any form of dementia, or degenerative illness that would cause these sorts of lapses? And it’s a yes or no question,” a reporter asked [1].

“I have an answer for you. Are you ready for it?” Jean-Pierre said. “It’s a no. And I hope you’re asking the other guy the same exact question” [1].

By the Numbers

81: Biden’s age, per the reporter’s question [1].
40-plus: interviews Jean-Pierre said Biden had done that year [1].
500-plus: gaggles she said he had done [1].
71%: voters who said the White House had been dishonest about Biden’s mental state, per the Fox News Poll taken days later [2].
19 days: from the briefing to Biden’s exit from the race [3].

What Happened Next

Voters didn’t buy it. In the Fox News Poll taken July 7-10, “71% think the White House has been dishonest about Biden’s mental state,” Fox News reported [2].

Biden left the race. On July 21, 2024, Biden wrote that “it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down” [3].

For the debate, see HYGO News’ page on “we finally beat Medicare”. For the next day’s briefing, see the page on jet lag and “if he’s awake”, and for more of Jean-Pierre’s answers checked against the record, the Karine Jean-Pierre record page.