Unearthed documents show that Joe Biden, at 82, relied on detailed note cards to identify well-known figures like Hillary Clinton during his time as president. This revelation paints a troubling picture of a leader needing prompts for even the most familiar faces in his own political circle.
As reported by the Daily Mail, these cards included photographs, names, and mini-biographies for prominent individuals such as Clinton, described as 'the Secretary of State in the Obama-Biden administration.' The list also featured names like Denzel Washington, labeled 'one of the greatest actors of the 21st century,' alongside political figures like Chuck Schumer and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
The scope of these aids extended beyond casual encounters, with some cards used as recently as January for events like the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony. It's hard to ignore the implication: if a president needs a cheat sheet for a longtime ally like Clinton or a cultural icon like Washington, what does that say about handling the complexities of national leadership?
These note cards, first brought to light through a Fox News investigation of National Archive documents, weren't just for high-profile events. They also surfaced in day-to-day operations, suggesting a consistent need for memory aids throughout Biden's presidency.
Even personal connections didn't escape the need for prompts, as seen with billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein, a longtime friend whose Nantucket home Biden vacationed at in November 2024. One has to wonder how deep this reliance ran if even close associates required a refresher.
Other instances include cards for press interactions, such as one detailing a question from ABC News reporter Mary Bruce in April 2023 about Biden's re-election and public concerns over his age. The prepared nature of these exchanges raises questions about authenticity in public-facing moments.
A former Biden staffer, speaking to Fox News, defended the practice, calling it 'standard operating procedure for briefing materials.' They argued, 'Should the staff not have told the President that Chuck Schumer was attending?' as if listing attendees is routine for any leader.
There's some merit to the idea that politicians often juggle countless names and faces, especially on the campaign trail. Yet, when the names are as recognizable as Schumer or Clinton, the defense starts to feel like a stretch, more about damage control than justification.
The White House itself drew a sharp contrast, with spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stating, 'President Trump gives unfettered access to the media and answers every question imaginable, without pre-screening the press questions.' The jab at Biden's 'incompetent' approach lands hard, highlighting a perceived gap in leadership style.
This isn't the first time Biden's use of memory aids has come under scrutiny, as past images show him holding lists of pre-selected journalists' faces and prepared questions. Such practices fuel a narrative of a presidency managed through scripts rather than spontaneous capability.
The timing of these revelations adds fuel to the fire, coming after Biden's exit from the re-election race last year amid doubts about his fitness for office. When even allies like Clinton require a note card, it amplifies existing worries about whether he was fully equipped for the demands of the role.
Lesser-known figures, like chef Jose Andres, also appeared on these lists for events such as the Medal of Freedom ceremony. While staff preparation is expected, the breadth of reliance suggests a deeper issue than just keeping track of a busy schedule.
As Biden struggles to find stability post-presidency, with recent reports highlighting mounting debts, these note card disclosures add another layer of concern about his tenure. They paint a picture of a leader whose grasp on even the basics seemed to slip, raising valid questions about who was truly steering the ship.
While no one expects a president to recall every detail without assistance, the extent of these aids feels like a quiet admission of frailty at the highest level. It's a reminder that leadership demands clarity and presence, qualities that can't be scribbled on a card.
Ultimately, this story isn't just about memory aids but about trust in those who hold power to navigate crises without a script. As Americans reflect on Biden's time in office, the image of a president needing a photo to recognize Hillary Clinton might linger as a symbol of a broader disconnect.
