Comments by President Joe Biden’s younger brother about his decision to bow out of his re-election race have drawn a sharp response from those near the family.
Following Biden’s announcement Sunday that he wouldn’t run for reelection and then his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, his brother Frank spoke with news outlets about the reasons behind the surprising move.
According to the chief White House correspondent for CBS News, Nancy Cordes, the president’s brother, told the news outlet, “in my humble opinion absolutely” the 81-year-old’s health played a part in making his decision.
🚨 Biden’s brother, Frank, says Biden’s declining health “absolutely” played a “considerable role” in his decision to drop out of the presidential race — something the Biden administration has consistently denied.
THIS IS THE COVERUP OF THE CENTURY. pic.twitter.com/hKR3mspJp2
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 22, 2024
However, a “source close to the Biden family” quickly shut down his comments.
“Frank Biden suffers from alcoholism and hasn’t spoken to his brother, the president, in weeks. What he said about President Biden’s health being a factor in his decision is completely untrue,” the source told CBS News.
Frank Biden told @cbsnews that his brother’s health, “in my humble opinion absolutely” contributed to his decision to bow out. But source close to Biden fam says “Frank Biden suffers from alcoholism and hasn’t spoken to his brother in weeks. What he said…is completely untrue.”
— Nancy Cordes (@nancycordes) July 21, 2024
In another statement to ABC News earlier, Frank Biden had reportedly said the president’s decision “boils down” to his “overall health and vitality” but also “beating this genuine threat to our nation in the form of Donald Trump.”
“Joe has one thing uppermost in his mind. It’s not him, not his ego, not his ambition. He has really reached a place where the only thing that matters to him is the health of this nation,” he said.
More from @lcbruggeman conversation with Frank Biden – “Joe has one thing uppermost in his mind. It’s not him, not his ego, not his ambition. He has really reached a place where the only thing that matters to him is the health of this nation.” https://t.co/nORN6LHBso
— John Santucci (@Santucci) July 21, 2024
In speaking with CBS News earlier, the president’s brother had said he was “incredibly proud” of him.
“Selfishly I will have him back to enjoy whatever time we have left in our lives,” he said.
“He is a genuine Hero. Country over self. Sounds corny in our cynical political environment but he nor I are cynical. The goal remains the same. Defeat Trump and continue the work Joe has done. My hope is our party rallies around this heroic act,” he added.
Frank Biden’s comments came on the heels of the president’s extraordinary announcement which was followed by a statement Sunday from his son, Hunter who praised him for being able to “absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans’ after he withdrew from the presidential race.”
“That unconditional love has been his North Star as a President, and as a parent. He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years,” he said.
Hunter Biden, President Biden’s son, released a statement following his father’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race: “Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad.” pic.twitter.com/MiVgeIriiu
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) July 21, 2024
“He is unique in public life today, in that there is no distance between Joe Biden the man and Joe Biden the public servant of the last 54 years,” Hunter added. “I’m so lucky every night I get to tell him I love him, and to thank him. I ask all Americans to join me tonight in doing the same.”
“Thank you, Mr. President. I love you, Dad,” he concluded.