Following former President Joe Biden’s widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump last year, former Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly used an expletive to describe CNN host Anderson Cooper. This occurred after Cooper questioned her about Biden’s cognitive fitness in a post-debate interview.
Sources indicate that Harris referred to Cooper using strong language in conversations with colleagues after the CNN anchor raised concerns about Biden’s performance. The interview followed the June debate, an event that sparked considerable worry within the Democratic party and preceded Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race.
It has been reported that Harris was advised by her staff to cancel all post-debate interviews due to Biden’s perceived frailty and disjointed performance. Nevertheless, she proceeded with the CNN interview, during which Cooper highlighted the “panic” expressed by Democrats over the debate and inquired whether Biden should step aside.
During the interview, Harris defended Biden, stating that he had a “slow start” but finished “strong.” When Cooper pressed her on the significance of the debate, she shifted the focus to Biden’s overall track record, emphasizing his years of service and work.
While many within Biden’s circle reportedly supported Harris’s assertive defense, sources suggest she was upset after the interview. Cooper’s line of questioning, which reflected widespread national concerns, was apparently taken personally.
Information suggests that Biden struggled during preparations for the debate. The then-incumbent president appeared “rusty,” and even reportedly took a nap during the first day of practice sessions. During these mock debates, his performance was described as ranging from poor to mediocre, with issues in vocal clarity, delivery, and coherence of answers. Advisors also reportedly suggested he keep his mouth closed when not speaking, and his voice became increasingly hoarse, requiring frequent cough drops.
Biden later attributed his lackluster debate performance to a cold. Following the debate, he ultimately decided to withdraw from the presidential race. Prior to his withdrawal, allies often referenced his childhood stutter to address criticisms of his speaking abilities, while critics pointed to his extensive career as a senator and vice president, where he often spoke at length without noticeable difficulties.
It has also been noted that Biden’s aides attempted to subtly limit his public appearances and speaking engagements. For instance, when a request was made for Biden to record a five-minute video address, the White House often responded by offering a shorter one- to two-minute video. However, even within this limited timeframe, Biden reportedly often made errors or misstatements, necessitating the use of editing techniques such as multiple camera angles and jump cuts.
Biden has since publicly disclosed a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official comment from Harris regarding the remarks about Anderson Cooper.
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