In recent months, the onslaught of misinformation targeted at Joe Biden has been relentless. From baseless fear tactics (no, Biden is not a socialist) to outright bullying, the Trump campaign has spread numerous lies. One of the most damaging accusations has been the claim that Biden suffers from dementia.
Anyone who has witnessed the effects of dementia knows how false this assertion is. Yes, Biden occasionally fumbles his words, but these moments are not indicative of mental decline. To imply otherwise is simply heartless.
Biden has openly shared his journey of overcoming a stutter, a challenge he faced throughout his life, even mentoring young people who grapple with similar issues. “I’ve dedicated my life to overcoming a stutter. It’s a privilege to mentor those who face the same challenges. It’s called empathy. Look it up,” he stated.
Is Biden always a flawless speaker? No. But is he a compassionate and mentally sound individual? Absolutely.
Let’s be clear: If you’re sharing “Sleepy Joe” memes or claiming he has dementia, you’re simply being cruel. These comments are not only incorrect, but they also perpetuate harmful stereotypes. They are ableist and mean-spirited.
Beyond being political distractions, these accusations are rooted in a desire to inflict pain. Recall when Trump bragged about acing the Montreal Cognitive Test. He should have passed it—failing would indicate he himself might be facing cognitive issues. This test is a reality for many families, and using it as a point of pride shows a severe lack of empathy from Trump. The insinuation that Biden’s speech patterns reflect cognitive decline highlights the accusers’ complete lack of compassion.
This rhetoric not only hurts those who have family members with dementia, but it also offends individuals, especially children, coping with a stutter. Take Brayden Harrington, a 13-year-old who connected with Biden through their shared experience. During their first meeting in New Hampshire, Brayden was deeply inspired by Biden’s story. “He told me we were members of the same club,” Brayden recalled. “We stutter. It was really amazing to hear that someone like me became vice president.”
Biden has maintained a relationship with Brayden, providing him with tips to navigate his speech challenges. In a heartfelt letter to the Stuttering Foundation of America, Biden expressed, “I understand the fear and frustration of a stutter. It made me question myself daily.” He now actively works with numerous children, sharing techniques that helped him, such as reading poetry aloud and simplifying speeches. Brayden has since changed his perspective on his stutter, viewing it as a gift rather than a curse.
This is what true kindness looks like. To twist Biden’s struggles into a narrative of incompetence is not only hurtful but also damaging to those who deal with speech challenges or dementia.
So no, Biden’s occasional verbal missteps do not equate to dementia. They say nothing about his mental capacity. However, if you’re propagating these falsehoods, it does say a great deal about you. For further insights on related topics, check out this blog post on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re looking for reliable information on pregnancy, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is a fantastic resource.
Summary
In this letter, the author addresses the harmful accusations regarding Joe Biden’s mental fitness, particularly the claim that he has dementia. The author emphasizes that Biden’s speech patterns are linked to his history of overcoming a stutter, and such mockery is not only inaccurate but also cruel. By sharing stories of connection and mentorship, the letter highlights the importance of empathy and compassion over political hostility.