Jake Sullivan, who served as nationwide safety adviser in former President Joe Biden’s administration, on Thursday conceded he was shocked to see his former boss’ efficiency in his 2024 debate towards Donald Trump as a brand new e book has resurfaced questions on his psychological acuity throughout his time within the White Home.
The June debate hosted by CNN noticed Biden struggling to finish sentences and mixing up phrases, spreading alarm amongst Democrats and prompting his eventual determination to withdraw from the 2024 presidential contest and cede his place to former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“What occurred in that debate was a shock to me, I believe it was a shock to everyone,” Sullivan told Politico’s Safety Summit.
Sullivan, who defended Biden’s efficiency as commander-in-chief in the course of the 4 years he served within the White Home, mentioned he couldn’t weigh in on whether or not it was a mistake for him to pursue reelection, citing his position within the administration.
“I’ve not weighed in on these points and wouldn’t weigh in on these points,” he advised Politico’s Jack Blanchard.
The previous nationwide safety adviser additionally dismissed the reporting included in “Authentic Sin,” a e book co-written by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, which claims Biden referred to Sullivan as “Steve” a minimum of two instances in 2022.
“I don’t recall that ever taking place, and I’ll inform you Joe Biden is aware of my identify,” Sullivan mentioned. “So I used to be shocked to learn that within the e book.”
Sullivan recalled waking up Biden in the midst of the night time for main unexpected developments in worldwide crises, suggesting he was totally competent to serve in these moments.
“I noticed him working, decision-making, executing as commander-in-chief all through that point,” Sullivan added.
Tapper and Thompson’s e book accused Biden and his closest aides of overlaying up his decline earlier than he inevitably dropped out of the election. The pair detailed an occasion during which Biden allegedly did not recognize Oscar-winning actor George Clooney at a fundraiser he hosted for him, and reported his aides’ issues that he would have to use a wheelchair after he secured reelection.
