House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) slammed President Joe Bidenās policies since heās been in office, saying itās ābeen a failed presidency.ā
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday night, Johnson explained how he plans to lead the House and discussed topics such as the ongoing wars in Israel and Ukraine, possible threats of China to the United States as it looks to ārebuild the empire,ā the U.S. economy and rising inflation rates.
Johnson noted he had a meeting with just him and Biden on Thursday for about 15 to 20 minutes, adding that it was ācordial and pleasant.ā
āI canāt. I canāt. I think itās been a failed presidency,ā Johnson told Hannity when asked if he could find any good policy decisions that Biden has done a āgood jobā on.
āAnd all of the problems, some of those that youāve articulated already at the outset of the program here, were caused by policy choices,ā Johnson explained. āAnd thatās the problem I have with him, itās philosophical.ā
Johnson clarified that he has āno problem with President Biden as an individual.ā
āYou respect the office,ā Johnson added. āItās a Biblical admonition that you give honor where honor is due. And thatās the honest, the respect that we have for the office. But, he and I agree on almost no policy.ā
The newly elected Speaker of the House commented on Bidenās cognitive health, an issue that has been important to voters. Hannity questioned Johnson about whether he saw a ācognitive declineā in Biden.
āI do,ā Johnson said. āI think most of us do. Thatās reality, this is not a personal slight to him. It has to do with age and accument, and everyoneās different. Everyone ages differently. Clearly, if you look at a tape of Joe Biden making an argument in the Senate Judiciary Committee a few years ago and you see a speech that he delivers now thereās a difference.ā
Johnson clarified that what is concerning is that the U.S. ācannot project weakness of any kind on the world stage right nowā given the current events.
Biden is 80 years old and is currently the oldest person to serve as president. This has led many people to raise questions about his mental health in light of his many gaffes over his term as president.
A poll from NBC News in September showed that 59% of voters had major concerns about Biden not having the mental and physical health to be president for a second term, while 15% had moderate concerns, 12% had minor concerns, and 14% had no real concerns.
A similar poll from CNN in September showed that 56% of Democratic-leaning voters were seriously concerned that Bidenās age might affect his current mental and physical health, while 44% were not seriously concerned.
