Former national security adviser Jake Sullivan has come to the defense of President Joe Biden following criticism of his debate performance last year. Sullivan expressed his shock at Biden’s poor showing during the debate, stating that it was unexpected for him and many others.
Biden’s Leadership Validated
Despite the scrutiny on Biden’s mental acuity, Sullivan emphasized that he witnessed a capable commander in chief throughout his time working with the President. He recounted various instances where he observed Biden making decisions and executing his duties effectively.
Concerns Within the Administration
The concerns surrounding Biden’s age and cognitive abilities have been a point of contention both inside and outside the administration. Details from a new book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson shed light on the unease within the Democratic campaign regarding Biden’s sharpness.
In one revealing excerpt, Biden reportedly forgot Sullivan’s name during an interaction, referring to him as ‘Steve.’ When questioned about this incident, Sullivan denied any recollection of it and affirmed Biden’s familiarity with him.
Response to Criticism
In response to criticisms raised in the book by Tapper and Thompson, Sullivan maintained his support for Biden as a competent and active president. He refrained from commenting on whether Biden should seek reelection in 2024, citing his focus on national security matters.
When pressed about the concerns voiced by Cabinet secretaries and White House staff regarding Biden’s performance, Sullivan chose not to comment on their perspectives, underscoring his role’s insulation from political matters.
Overall, Sullivan’s unwavering support for President Biden underscores the complexities of leadership in the face of public scrutiny and internal doubts.
