A recent report from The New York Times has raised eyebrows about President Joe Biden’s reliance on teleprompters, even for small private fundraisers. According to the article, Biden’s inner circle insisted he use a teleprompter at these intimate events, leading to concern among his donors. They were reportedly asked to submit questions in advance to ensure smooth communication. This practice has sparked further doubts about the president’s ability to connect with voters on a personal level, as well as his capacity to engage without scripted assistance.
The controversy around Biden’s use of teleprompters is not new. Throughout his presidency, there have been numerous awkward moments when he appeared to struggle with his speeches, especially those involving teleprompters. One such incident occurred in April 2024, when Biden read directly from the screen during a speech, only to awkwardly incorporate the script’s stage directions into his remarks. At one point, he said, “Four more years — pause,” seemingly unaware that his teleprompter had instructed him to take a moment of dramatic pause. The gaffe drew uncomfortable laughter and further raised concerns about his public speaking ability.
Despite these repeated mishaps, Biden has consistently downplayed any doubts about his mental acuity. In an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt in July 2024, Biden insisted that he was “on the horse” and no longer needed notes or teleprompters to deliver his speeches. “I’m on the horse,” he said, bristling at questions about his preparedness for upcoming debates. He further argued that his ability to field questions without a script proved that he had full command of his faculties, citing moments when he had taken questions from reporters at NATO events.
For many Republicans, Biden’s reliance on scripted speeches and his dismissive response to questions about his cognitive abilities only heighten concerns about his readiness for a second term. In an era where leadership demands authenticity, these incidents reinforce the image of a president who needs constant guidance and support, even for the most basic interactions with the public.