Biden snaps repeatedly at Lester Holt in combative NBC interview days after Trump assassination attempt: ‘What’s with you guys?’

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses a tense interview between President Biden and NBC anchor Lester Holt, where Biden repeatedly scolded Holt and defended his criticism of former President Trump. The article also covers Biden's comments on the assassination attempt on Trump, his mental acuity, and the performance of the Secret Service.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Biden's Criticism of Trump and the Media

1. What were the key points of Biden's criticism of Trump and the media?

• Biden criticized the media for not reporting on the "28 lies" that Trump told during a debate, and accused the media of not covering Trump's false claims about the 2020 election.
• Biden defended his own criticism of Trump, despite calling for Americans to "lower the temperature" after the assassination attempt on Trump.
• Biden accused the media of not focusing on Trump's agenda and policies.

2. How did Biden respond when Holt challenged him on his criticism of Trump?

• When Holt challenged Biden on his criticism of Trump, despite calling for lowering the temperature, Biden launched into another diatribe against Trump.
• Biden defended his criticism, saying the media needs to focus on Trump's "agenda" and "policies" rather than just his false claims about the election.

[02] Biden's Mental Acuity and Debate Performance

1. What were Biden's comments on his mental acuity and debate performance?

• Biden defended his mental acuity, saying it has been "pretty damn good" and that he is only 3 years older than Trump.
• Biden bristled when Holt asked if he appeared confused during a past debate, and accused the media of not reporting on Trump's "28 lies" during the debate.
• Biden suggested he would be open to an extra debate against Trump to prove his mental prowess, in addition to the scheduled second and final debate.

[03] Biden's Comments on the Trump Assassination Attempt

1. What were Biden's comments on the Trump assassination attempt?

• Biden said it is an "open question" whether the Secret Service failed in its duties to protect Trump before he was shot in the assassination attempt.
• Biden said he feels safe with the Secret Service, but questioned whether they should have anticipated and prevented the assassination attempt.
• Biden said security concerns have recently prevented him from freely interacting with supporters, as he likes to do.

[04] Biden's Handling of Classified Documents

1. What did Biden claim about the investigation into his mishandling of classified documents?

• Biden falsely claimed that he was "totally exonerated" by the investigation, when in fact the special counsel found evidence that Biden "willfully" mishandled the records and improperly shared classified information.
• Biden said the investigation involved "10, 12 agents" searching his home for 9 hours, and that the investigators "concluded I didn't do a damn thing wrong."