Hunter Biden Claims Joe Was on Ambien During Debate Disaster
According to multiple reports, Hunter Biden dropped a bombshell claim that his father, President Joe Biden, was taking Ambien in the week leading up to the June debate with Donald Trump, a factor that Hunter says contributed to a stunned and frail performance that derailed his 2024 presidential campaign. This revelation raises serious questions about the president's mental fitness during a critical moment, given the combination of advanced age, jet lag from global travel, and undisclosed medication use.
A Debate to Forget
The debate in Atlanta was a turning point for Biden's 2024 bid. Rather than a commanding performance, many viewers saw a confused and unsteady candidate; Biden appeared unable to complete his thoughts and at one point claimed he "finally beat Medicare," according to the New York Post, a puzzling statement that shocked the nation. Hunter Biden's recent interview with YouTube creator Andrew Callaghan brought forward a medical explanation tied to his father's exhausting schedule and medication regimen.
The Toll of Travel and Time
Hunter laid out a grueling itinerary his father endured before the debate, including trips to Italy and France, as well as time at Camp David preparing for the showdown. Hunter insisted that the president had flown as far as circling the globe three times, leaving him "tired as Sh-t," according to Reuters. At 81 years old during the debate, the physical toll was high, and Ambien was reportedly given to help him sleep through the jet lag. Hunter described how the medication left Biden looking like a "deer in the headlights" and unready to confront the intense demands of the debate stage, as reported by the New York Post.
Ambien's Risks for Elderly Patients
Ambien, or zolpidem, is reportedly labeled for short-term use as a sleep aid but carries increased risks for adults over 70. The FDA notes that metabolism slows with age, raising the chances of side effects such as prolonged drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired cognition. These effects, combined with intense international travel, could explain the president's unsteady appearance at the debate.
Missing From Medical Records
Perhaps the most troubling aspect is that Ambien was not listed within Biden's official medical disclosures, according to the New York Post. His annual physical report earlier in 2024 reportedly noted six medications, but Ambien was not among them. Publicly available medical records similarly omit any mention of the drug. This lack of transparency has fueled criticism, especially as Biden's longtime doctor, Kevin O'Connor, reportedly refused to answer House committee questions, invoking the Fifth Amendment.
Inside the Campaign's Inner Circle
Further complicating the picture is testimony from former White House chief of staff Ron Klain, who revealed that senior aides, including Hillary Clinton and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, viewed Biden's candidacy as untenable during his final year, according to the New York Post. Klain described him as "less energetic" and noted worsening memory problems, though he rejected claims Biden was cognitively unfit. Importantly, Klain stated he was unaware of any Ambien prescription prior to the debate, conflicting with Hunter's claim.
The diverging accounts highlight a fractured campaign management with concerns about the handling of the president's fitness and public messaging. Sullivan's spokesperson reportedly denied discussion of Biden's candidacy with Klain before the debate, adding further uncertainty about who knew what and when.
Party Revolt and Withdrawal
The disastrous debate performance triggered internal party threats to "blow up the party" unless Biden stepped aside, according to Hunter Biden, as reported by the New York Post. Facing mounting pressure from Democrats, Biden withdrew from the race less than a month later, clearing the way for then-Vice President Kamala Harris to become the nominee.
Hunter praised his father's decision as deeply "selfless," according to the New York Post, but the episode exposed fissures within the party and lingering questions over the president's health management.
Ongoing Inquiries and the Road Ahead
Biden's health has become a subject of intense scrutiny, with the House Oversight Committee investigating potential cover-ups. While some former aides have reportedly refused to testify invoking the Fifth Amendment, others, like Klain, have cooperated in ongoing inquiries.
Although the full details remain unclear, Hunter Biden's claims have heightened public awareness about the challenges faced by elder statesmen in high-pressure roles, especially when medical issues intersect with political ambition. The demands of campaigning at 81, complicated by jet lag and sedatives, point to broader questions about transparency, accountability, and leadership capability.
Why Transparency Matters
The episode has underscored the need for clear disclosure about a leader's health and medication to foster public trust. It also highlights the delicate balance campaign teams must strike between protecting their candidate's image and confronting the realities of physical and cognitive decline.
As investigations continue and more testimonies emerge, the story of Biden's final campaign chapter will likely deepen, forcing citizens and politicians alike to reconsider how age and health intersect with public service.
For now, Hunter Biden's revelations have opened a fresh chapter in an already complex political saga, reminding us all that behind every headline lies a tangled mix of human frailty and political maneuvering.
References: Hunter Biden says dad Joe was on Ambien during disastrous 2024 debate with Trump | Hunter Biden suggests Joe Biden's disastrous debate was due to Ambien | Reuters | Ex-Biden chief of staff Ron Klain tells House prez was 'less energetic' late in term, deemed not 'politically viable' by Hillary Clinton
