Cory Booker is very concerned about 'meandering' Joe Biden's debate performance
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro is facing criticism for going after former Vice President Joe Biden's memory during Thursday's Democratic debate, but not from Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
Castro during the third debate questioned Biden's recollection of what he previously said about his health care proposal, mockingly asking him if he already forgot "what you said two minutes ago." Some 2020 Democrats have slammed Castro for this, with former Rep. Beto O'Rourke calling this the kind of "personal attack" we don't "need right now."
But in a post-debate CNN interview, Booker came to Castro's defense, saying he has "every right" to raise these "legitimate concerns" about Biden.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"There's a lot of people who are concerned about Joe Biden's ability to carry the ball all the way across the end line without fumbling," Booker said.
Booker certainly seems to think Biden can't do so, saying there were "a lot of moments" during the debate when the candidates looked at each other while Biden spoke, as he "tends to go on sometimes" and make strange comments like his record player reference.
"There are definitely moments when you listen to Joe Biden and you just wonder," Booker said.
Asked if he's suggesting Biden is too old to be president, Booker said he's not, essentially because these concerns aren't new. "I've listened to Joe Biden over the years and often felt like there were times when he is going on or meandering in his speech," Booker said.
Booker further defended this critique Friday, telling CNN it's "very important" to express these concerns about Biden because "we love our country." Brendan Morrow
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
'A speaker courageous enough to stand up to the extremists in his own party'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
How could the Supreme Court's Fischer v. US case impact the other Jan 6. trials including Trump's?
Today's Big Question A former Pennsylvania cop might hold the key to a major upheaval in how the courts treat the Capitol riot — and its alleged instigator
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 18, 2024
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - impeachment Peanuts, record-breaking temperatures, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'A direct, protracted war with Israel is not something Iran is equipped to fight'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Good riddance to the televised presidential debate'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How will Israel respond to Iran's direct attack?
Speed Read Iran’s weekend attack on Israel could escalate into a wider Middle East war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikes
Speed Read An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published