Bill Clinton’s got Joe Biden’s back. In a recent “CBS Sunday Morning” interview, the former president swatted away claims of Biden’s cognitive decline with the confidence of a man who’s seen a few political storms. It’s a bold defense but one that invites skepticism in a world where optics often trump loyalty.

Clinton sat down with reporter Tracy Smith to discuss a book alleging Biden’s mental and physical slippage. As reported by Breitbart News, the former president, never one to shy away from a hot topic, denied witnessing any such decline in his recent meetings with Biden. His stance is clear: Biden was fit to lead, and the naysayers are just playing dirty politics.

Smith pressed Clinton on the book’s claims, which detail observations from Biden’s inner circle about his supposed frailty. Clinton, unfazed, said he’d had “several long talks” with Biden and found him sharp as ever. That’s a glowing review, but it’s hard to ignore the whispers when they’re loud enough to fill a bestseller.

Clinton’s Steadfast Biden Loyalty

“I thought he was a good president,” Clinton declared, brushing off concerns about Biden’s age. He argued that the only question was whether anyone could handle the presidency into their 80s. It’s a fair point, but one that dodges the deeper issue of public perception.

Clinton admitted he hasn’t read the book in question. “I didn’t want to because he’s not president anymore,” he said, suggesting the claims are irrelevant now. That’s a convenient sidestep, but it leaves the door open for critics to question his selective curiosity.

The interview took a pointed turn when Smith asked if Clinton ever saw Biden as unfit to run. “No,” he replied flatly, doubling down on his belief in Biden’s competence. It’s a loyal stance, but loyalty can blind even the sharpest political minds to uncomfortable truths.

Dismissing Decline Allegations

Smith didn’t let up, directly asking about cognitive decline. “No. I didn’t know anything about any of this,” Clinton responded, claiming he saw Biden recently and found him “in good shape.” That’s a strong endorsement, but it’s tough to sell when the public’s already bought the decline narrative.

Clinton’s refusal to engage with the book’s allegations is telling. He argued it’s being used to pin Trump’s reelection on Biden’s supposed failures. It’s a classic political pivot—deflect the criticism and point the finger elsewhere.

The former president’s confidence in Biden is unwavering, but it feels like a relic of a bygone era. He praised Biden’s command of policy, saying he was “always on top of his briefs.” Yet, in a media-saturated age, perception often outmuscles policy prowess.

Political Blame Game Concerns

Clinton’s defense isn’t just about Biden—it’s about the broader political fight. He sees the decline narrative as a weapon to tarnish Biden’s legacy and boost Trump’s return. It’s a savvy observation, but it risks dismissing legitimate concerns as mere partisan gamesmanship.

“Some people are trying to use this as a way to blame him for the fact that Trump was reelected,” Clinton noted. He’s not wrong—politics is a brutal sport where every fumble is exploited. But ignoring the fumble doesn’t make it disappear.

The interview highlights the tension between loyalty and reality. Clinton’s steadfast support for Biden is admirable, but it’s a tough sell when public sentiment leans the other way. Sometimes, even the most eloquent defense can’t rewrite the story voters see.

Navigating Post-Presidency Narratives

Biden’s no longer in the Oval Office, a fact Clinton leaned into heavily. By framing the decline debate as irrelevant, he tries to shield his friend from retrospective scrutiny. It’s a noble effort, but history rarely lets ex-presidents off the hook so easily.

Clinton’s political instincts are on display here. He knows the power of narrative and how quickly it can reshape a legacy. His refusal to fuel the decline story is a calculated move to protect Biden’s record.

Still, the “CBS Sunday Morning” exchange leaves questions hanging. Clinton’s loyalty to Biden is clear, but his dismissal of the decline narrative feels like a missed opportunity to address real concerns. In politics, as in life, denying the problem doesn’t make it go away.