There has been no shortage of falsehoods and misleading claims directed at Joe Biden during the recent election cycle. These ranged from unfounded fears (no, Biden is not a socialist) to outright bullying. Among the most damaging and hurtful accusations made by some Trump supporters is the claim that Biden suffers from dementia.
Anyone who has witnessed the effects of dementia knows how deeply misguided this assertion is. Yes, Biden may occasionally trip over his words, but that is not indicative of cognitive decline. To imply otherwise is simply cruel.
It’s widely acknowledged that Biden has worked hard to overcome a stutter, a challenge he has openly discussed and even used as an opportunity to mentor young people facing similar struggles. “I’ve spent my life battling a stutter, and it’s a privilege to guide kids who share that experience. It’s called empathy—look it up.”
Is Biden always a flawless speaker? No. But is he a compassionate, caring, and mentally sound individual? Absolutely.
Let’s be clear: If you’re engaging in the “Sleepy Joe” memes or perpetuating the “he has dementia” myths, you are exhibiting a lack of decency. These accusations are not only false but also deeply hurtful. They are ableist and thoughtless.
This goes beyond mere political distraction; it’s an act of cruelty. Remember when Trump boasted about acing the Montreal Cognitive Test? He should have. Failing it would have raised concerns about his own mental health. The test results are a harsh reality for many families dealing with dementia, and Trump’s mockery of it reflects his complete lack of empathy. Claims that Biden’s speech patterns signify cognitive decline reveal a shocking absence of compassion from those making such claims.
These hurtful remarks not only affect those of us who have loved ones with dementia but also target children and families grappling with stuttering or other speech challenges. Take, for instance, young Jake Thompson, a 13-year-old who connected with Biden over their shared experience of stuttering. According to Good Morning America, Jake met Biden during the campaign and was inspired by his journey. “He told me we were part of the same club,” Jake said. “It was amazing to know someone like me could become Vice President.”
Biden has continued to support Jake and other children, offering advice and encouragement. In a letter to the Stuttering Foundation of America, he shared his own struggles with stuttering: “I know the fear and frustration that comes with it. My stutter made me doubt myself daily.” Today, Biden mentors 25 children who stutter, providing them with strategies that helped him as a child. Jake noted how meeting Biden transformed his view of his stutter. “Before, I feared it the most, but now I see it as a gift that helps me grow,” he said.
This exemplifies true kindness, empathy, and compassion. To twist Biden’s challenges into a narrative of mental unfitness is hurtful not just to those who stutter or those affected by dementia but to anyone with a sense of compassion.
So, let’s be clear: Biden’s speech patterns do not point to dementia. His occasional errors say nothing about his mental fitness. However, if you are spreading these falsehoods, it speaks volumes about you.
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