White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged on Wednesday that President Joe Biden's recent jetlag and foreign trip fatigue may have contributed to his lackluster debate performance. During a press briefing, Jean-Pierre admitted that she was aware of Biden's taxing schedule, which included trips to France and Italy, prior to the debate.
At a fundraiser in Virginia on Tuesday evening, Biden referenced his international travels as a factor in his subpar showing at the debate. However, Jean-Pierre did not initially mention these reasons when questioned by reporters earlier in the day. She later clarified that she had been focused on other aspects, such as Biden's cold, during her responses.
Despite top advisers previously touting Biden's ability to handle demanding schedules during foreign trips as a testament to his vigor and capability, the recent debate performance raised questions about his readiness.
When pressed further, Jean-Pierre reiterated that jetlag and the cold were contributing factors to Biden's performance but emphasized that she was providing an explanation rather than making excuses. She stated that the president himself wanted to address the issue and offer clarification.
In her own words, Jean-Pierre expressed understanding that the debate was not Biden's finest moment and acknowledged the concerns raised by supporters, the American public, and the media. The decision to share these insights was prompted by inquiries from reporters and the president's desire to provide context for his performance.
