Ambien left the then-US president trying “like a deer within the headlights” throughout the important thing showdown with Donald Trump, his son has mentioned
Former US President Joe Biden’s faltering efficiency through the debate that resulted in him dropping out of the 2024 White Home race was because of journey fatigue and the usage of prescription sleeping capsules, his son Hunter Biden has claimed.
In an interview with journalist Andrew Callaghan launched on Monday, Biden mentioned his father was not in high form forward of the June 27, 2024 debate with then-Republican nominee Donald Trump. “He flew around the globe mainly,” Hunter mentioned, claiming the then-president “was drained as s**t” and took Ambien capsules to sleep.
“He will get up on the stage and he appears like he’s a deer within the headlights,” he mentioned, including that it fueled the narrative of his rivals, who targeted on Biden’s age – at 81, he was the oldest sitting president in US historical past.
Biden’s halting supply, quiet and raspy voice, and moments of obvious confusion through the CNN-hosted debate with Trump sparked widespread concern throughout the Democratic Social gathering about his age and talent to serve one other time period. The efficiency additionally appeared to substantiate long-standing criticism from Trump, who had often referred to Biden as ‘Sleepy Joe’ all through the marketing campaign.
Biden later admitted he had “a foul evening” and was recovering from a “actually dangerous chilly” earlier than the controversy, however maintained, “I understand how to inform the reality… and I understand how to do that job.” He additionally pointed to his busy journey schedule earlier than the controversy.
Following mounting stress from celebration officers and donors, Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race on July 21, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his alternative. Harris went on to lose the November election to Trump.
In mid-Could, Biden disclosed he had been recognized with an aggressive type of prostate most cancers, though his workplace mentioned the illness “seems to be hormone-sensitive, which permits for efficient administration.” Biden later described the prognosis as encouraging and mentioned he felt optimistic.
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