Former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer defended President Biden's legislative achievements and legacy after his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, while dodging questions about his previous assertions regarding Biden's mental fitness. In a recent interview on "Meet the Press," Schumer was confronted with a clip from February 2024 where he dismissed concerns about Biden's cognitive abilities as "right-wing propaganda." NBC News' Kristen Welker pressed Schumer on what he would say to Americans who felt misled by such pronouncements, especially given reports that Schumer himself advised Biden to withdraw from the race.

Schumer emphasized Biden's accomplishments in office, citing significant legislation passed and judicial appointments. He praised Biden as a "patriot" and a "great guy" who made the decision to withdraw in the best interests of the country and the Democratic Party. He sidestepped Welker's question about whether he believed Biden could have served a second term, stating he wouldn't speculate but reiterated his belief in Biden's "stellar" record and his place in history as an "outstanding president."

The interview sparked further discussion on the "Meet the Press" panel. MSNBC host Symone Sanders Townsend argued that Schumer should have more forcefully defended Biden, asserting that the president's mental acuity was not in question. She acknowledged concerns about Biden's age but insisted his capacity to perform his duties was evident. Politico's Jonathan Martin countered that defending Biden was pointless, given that the president's decision to withdraw reflected poorly on the Democratic Party. Former Pence aide Marc Short criticized Democrats for attempting to deny what Americans witnessed during Biden's debate performance against Trump, while Sanders Townsend maintained that Biden's ability to communicate effectively was clear.