“And yet he insisted that he could still run for president. We should have much more forcefully questioned whether he was fit for office for another four years, which could have led to a primary for the Democrats,” Crawford said.
She then noted recent reporting by the Wall Street Journal that detailed how White House aides covered up Biden’s mental decline over the past four years.
“And I think that is either delusional or they’re gaslighting the American people.”
Questions about Biden’s mental fitness grew while his first term dragged on as some news outlets, including The Post, reported on his steady stream of gaffes and on-camera struggles.
Crawford, the network’s chief legal correspondent, insisted stronger reporting on the topic could have changed the entire election as she responded to a question from “Face the Nation” moderator Major Garrett about the most underreported story in 2024.
Following the octogenarian’s June 27 debate in which he struggled mightily, reporting on whether Biden could lead the nation ramped up. He was eventually replaced as the Democratic nominee by Vice President Kamala Harris in July.
Robert Costa, CBS News’ chief election and campaign correspondent, noted on “Face the Nation” that Biden has said he was sick during his rough debate performance “and he’s always been fine and he leaves fine.”
Harris ultimately lost to Trump, who is retaking the White House on Jan. 20.