Pelosi: Fair to ask if Biden has a ‘condition’ or debate was ‘an episode’

Former Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) admitted Tuesday that it would be fair for voters to ask if President Biden has a condition or if last week’s debate performance was just “an episode.”

Pelosi joined MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Tuesday to discuss the fallout from Biden’s lackluster debate performance and the panic among Democrats about his ability to beat former President Trump in the election this fall.

“I think it’s a legitimate question to say is this an episode or is this a condition,” she said. “And so, when people ask that question [it is] legitimate.”

Pelosi, one of Biden’s biggest allies, said it is a legitimate question that should apply to both Biden and Trump. Still, she backed the president’s accomplishments during his time in time in office.

Pelosi defended Biden following the Thursday debate and emphasized that he is “attuned” to the issues when she works with him. She also shot down suggestions that Biden could be replaced by another candidate as Democrats sound the alarm about his ability to serve another term.

Pelosi slammed Trump for his “pack of lies” told during the debate and said it would be “very hard” to debate someone when “you have to undo or debunk everything they’re saying.”

As voters’ questions circulate about both candidates’ mental acuity, Trump has maintained that he aced his cognitive exam and challenged Biden to release the results of his ahead of the election.

Pelosi argued they each should provide voters with the up-to-date information about their well-being.

“Both candidates owe whatever test you want to put them to in terms of their mental acuity and their heath,” she said. “Both of them.”

When reached for comment, Ian Krager, a spokesperson for Pelosi’s office said she “has full confidence in President Biden and looks forward to attending his inauguration on January 20, 2025.”

Story was updated at 3 p.m. EDT