Overview
- CBS released a 30-second preview clip on May 27 that shows Jill Biden saying she was “frightened” by her husband’s June 27, 2024 debate performance and thought, “Oh my God, he’s having a stroke.”
- Jill Biden’s on-camera alarm contrasts with the public response she gave immediately after the debate when she praised his performance at a post-debate event.
- The June 27 debate prompted broad concern about Biden’s fitness and preceded his withdrawal from the 2024 race on July 21, 2024, after which he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
- The disclosure is part of publicity for Jill Biden’s memoir View from the East Wing, due June 2, and the full CBS Sunday Morning interview will air this weekend.
- The clip has reignited partisan and social media debate and renewed scrutiny of whether the White House and campaign adequately described the president’s condition at the time.