Biden slammed for 'scary' long pause when asked if first lady supports 2024 run: 'Keeps getting worse'

President Biden drew criticism from social media after responding with a long pause when asked in an interview if First Lady Dr. Jill Biden would support him running for office again in 2024.

"Dr. Biden is for it?" MSNBC's Jonathan Capehart asked Biden about a 2024 run in a clip that aired Friday. Biden then paused and looked down at the floor prompting Capehart to follow up with, "Mr. President?"

"Dr. Biden thinks that, my wife thinks that," Biden said before pausing again. "That we’re doing something very important, and I shouldn't walk away from it."

The clip received attention from critics on social media including from Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel who called the exchange "scary."

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"What a mess," TimCast News Editor-in-Chief Cassandra MacDonald posted.

"I think there’s a brief nap in there," radio host Mark Davis tweeted. 

"Joe Biden seems to legit fall asleep during this interview," Outkick founder Clay Travis tweeted. "He just keeps getting worse."

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"Looking forward to the fact checkers trying to explain this one," Fox News Contributor Katie Pavlich tweeted. 

Before being asked about Dr. Biden’s position on him running for president again, the 79-year-old president said that he has "not made that formal decision" but "it’s my intention to run again."

Biden added that he has "time to make that decision."

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It was reported earlier this week that Dr. Biden tore into top White House officials and demanded answers following the president’s latest solo press conference in January when he ignored a cue to wrap up his comments and no one intervened.

The report drew strong criticism from Republicans including Rep. Ronny Jackson, the former White House physician, who accused the first lady and senior White House staff of "running a coverup operation to protect their own self-interest," and also took aim at the president's cognitive state.

A survey of 1,206 registered voters conducted by Fox News showed last week that over half (54%) would vote for someone else besides President Biden in 2024 while a third (33%) would re-elect Biden.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

NYC Will No Longer Refer To Virus As Monkeypox To Avoid ‘Inaccurate And Stigmatizing Label’

Shortly after announcing New York City’s first two deaths linked to monkeypox on Friday, the city’s health department explained that, from now on, it will refer to the virus as MPV.

Monkeypox, which largely transmits through sexual intercourse between men, hit the U.S. earlier this year and has infected nearly 30,000 Americans, killing six as of Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Along with expressing concern for the virus itself, the NYC Health Department also said it is worried about the “inaccurate and stigmatizing label” that comes with the virus’ name.

“Moving forward, the Health Department will refer to the virus as MPV. The previous name is an inaccurate and stigmatizing label for a virus that is primarily affecting a community that has already suffered a long history of bigotry,” the city’s health department said.

According to NYC Health, referring to the virus as monkeypox can keep people from seeking treatment if they contract the virus because of a “stigma.” The health department said it also requested the World Health Organization to change the virus’ name.

NYC Health encouraged “anyone of any sexual orientation or gender identity who is at risk” to get both doses of the monkeypox vaccine at any city-run vaccination site.

While monkeypox is not spread exclusively through sex, the disease is infecting gay men at a far higher rate than any other demographic. The latest data from New York City shows that those who identify as LGBTQ currently make up 2,384 (64%) of the city’s 3,703 monkeypox cases, and men make up 3,466 (94%) of the cases.

According to the CDC, monkeypox can spread through skin to skin contact that often happens through hugging, kissing, extended face-to-face contact, and sexual intercourse. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. The disease can also cause painful rashes and blisters.

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