In a recent broadcast, Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo amplified a conspiracy theory suggesting that former President Barack Obama is secretly controlling President Joe Biden. Bartiromo posed this question to GOP Congressman Richard McCormick (R-GA) during an interview:
Maria Bartiromo to Rep. Richard McCormick: "So who is running the show here? Does [Biden] know what's going on or is he being directed by President Obama?" pic.twitter.com/vAJ24bEzA2
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 27, 2023
“So, who’s running the show here? I mean, you know, does he know what’s going on, or is he being directed by President Obama?”
Bartiromo’s remarks come weeks after former President Donald Trump made similar claims, implying that Obama exerts significant influence over Biden’s administration. This conspiracy theory has gained traction among conservative circles, who often attribute Biden’s perceived shortcomings to his age and alleged cognitive decline.
McCormick, while not fully endorsing Bartiromo’s suggestion of Obama’s puppeteering, did use the opportunity to reiterate his own views on Biden’s mental state. He remarked:
“He definitely doesn’t know what’s going on. Whether he’s being directed by Obama or some other staff members is really questionable, but if you look at his cognitive decline in the last 50 years, we’ve been able to literally in real-time watch this guy in public life.”
McCormick’s comments align with a broader narrative among some conservatives, who have repeatedly questioned Biden’s fitness for office due to his age and perceived mental lapses. They often point to his occasional gaffes and apparent moments of confusion as evidence of his cognitive decline.
However, it’s important to note that these assertions have not been substantiated by any definitive medical evaluations or assessments. Biden has undergone cognitive screenings, and his physicians have attested to his fitness for office.
The conspiracy theory surrounding Obama’s control over Biden and the persistent narrative of Biden’s cognitive decline serve as examples of how some political figures and commentators employ unsubstantiated claims to undermine the legitimacy of an elected official. These narratives often lack supporting evidence and rely on personal interpretations and selective framing of events.
It is crucial to approach such claims with caution and to critically evaluate the sources and motivations behind them. Discerning fact from speculation and maintaining a healthy skepticism are essential in navigating the political landscape.