Biden struggled over his words as he spoke to special counsel Hur about classified documents found at his home.Getty Images
| Published May 17, 2025
Recently released audio recordings from President Joe Biden’s October 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur have intensified scrutiny over his cognitive abilities. The six-hour session, part of an investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents, reveals moments where he struggled to recall key dates and events, including the year his son Beau died and when Donald Trump was elected president.
In the recordings, Biden frequently paused, slurred words, and relied on his attorneys to supply missing details. At one point, his attorney, Bob Bauer, intervened when Biden speculated about retaining a classified memo, advising him to state he did not recall to avoid potential legal issues.
The portion of the audio released showed Biden repeatedly struggling to remember names and dates.
AUDIO courtesy of Axios:
Joe Biden’s lawyer came to the rescue as the prosecutor grilled him about why he kept a classified memo about Afghanistan.
AUDIO:
At one point during the interview, Joe Biden went on and on about shooting a bow and arrow in Mongolia.
AUDIO:
“The audio shows what the transcript lacks — Biden’s dry-whisper voice and the long silences as he struggles to speak and remember details. Those often were supplied by his attorneys, who acted as caretakers of his memory,” Axios reporter Alex Thompson said.
In late 2023, Joe Biden spent two days with Special Counsel Robert Hur about his handling of stolen classified documents.
These revelations have reignited debates about Biden’s mental fitness, especially as he had sought re-election at age 81. While Special Counsel Hur concluded that Biden “willfully retained and disclosed classified materials,” no criminal charges were recommended, partly due to concerns that a jury would view Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.”
The White House had previously resisted releasing the audio, citing concerns over potential political misuse. However, its publication has provided a more nuanced understanding of the president’s mental state during the inquiry, beyond what was captured in the transcripts.
The recent release of audio recordings from President Joe Biden’s October 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur has intensified concerns regarding Biden’s cognitive health and its potential implications for his political future.
🧠 Cognitive Health Concerns
The recordings reveal Biden struggling with memory lapses, including forgetting the year his son Beau died and the year Donald Trump was elected president. Additionally, Biden’s speech was characterized by slurring and hesitations, with his attorneys frequently intervening to provide information.
These findings align with previous reports indicating that Biden’s memory issues have been a concern for some time. For instance, a 2024 poll found that 86% of voters had major or moderate concerns about Biden’s age and health, up from 76% in 2020.
⚖️ Legal and Political Implications
Despite the cognitive concerns, Special Counsel Hur concluded that Biden “willfully retained and disclosed classified materials” but did not recommend criminal charges. Hur noted that Biden’s memory lapses could portray him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” which might influence a jury’s perception.
The release of the audio has sparked political debates. Conservative figures argue that the recordings highlight Biden’s unfitness for office, while some Democrats express concern over the potential impact on public perception and the upcoming election.
📚 Public Perception and Media Coverage
The audio’s release coincides with the publication of the book Original Sin, which alleges that the White House attempted to conceal Biden’s declining health. The book claims that Biden’s condition was so poor that aides discussed putting him in a wheelchair and that he failed to recognize actor George Clooney.
Media outlets have varied in their coverage, with some emphasizing the cognitive concerns and others focusing on the political ramifications. The differing narratives contribute to the polarized public perception of Biden’s health and capabilities.
Overall Takeaway:
The recently released audio of President Joe Biden’s 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur reveals clear signs of memory lapses, speech difficulties, and cognitive struggles that were not fully evident in the written transcripts. This has intensified public and political concerns about Biden’s mental fitness and capacity to effectively serve as president.
While the legal investigation concluded without criminal charges, the recordings have fueled debate over Biden’s health, especially among critics who argue it raises serious questions about his ability to lead. Supporters tend to downplay the audio’s significance, pointing to prior transparency and emphasizing that cognitive issues alone don’t define leadership.
Ultimately, these revelations highlight a growing divide in public perception and are likely to shape political discourse and voter attitudes as Biden’s administration moves forward, especially with upcoming elections and ongoing scrutiny about his fitness for office.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – BREAKING: Disturbing Audio of Robert Hur’s Interview Showing Biden Repeatedly Struggling to Remember Names and Dates Released
TOWNHALL – Portions of the Tapes Between Biden and Special Counsel Robert Hur Have Been Released. They’re Brutal.
REDSTATE – New: Tense Moment in Hur Interview When Attorney Intervenes After Biden Was Asked About Classified Memo
THE NEW YORK POST – Biden stumbles over words, struggles with key memories — including year son Beau died — during Special Counsel Hur interview, leaked audio reveals
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