CNN abruptly cut its live feed during a press conference when former President Joe Biden vehemently denied allegations about his mental fitness, declared he would have won the election, and provocatively claimed he could “beat the hell” out of CNN anchor Jake Tapper.

The incident occurred amid escalating scrutiny over Biden’s cognitive health, intensified by the recent release of the book Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, co-authored by Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson. 

The book alleges that Biden’s inner circle concealed signs of his cognitive decline during his presidency, raising questions about transparency and leadership within the administration. Watch:

During the press event, when questioned about discussions regarding his mental and physical capabilities while in office, Biden retorted, “I can’t walk, and I can beat the hell out of both of them,” referring to Tapper and Thompson. 

Biden also insisted he was feeling great despite his cancer diagnosis and expressed confidence that he could have won the election.

The former president also insisted his son Beau died in Iraq, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked. Beau Biden died of brain cancer at Walter Reed in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2015.

The abrupt cutaway by CNN has sparked debates about media coverage and the handling of sensitive political moments.Critics argue that such actions may contribute to public distrust in media transparency, while supporters contend it was a necessary editorial decision.

The release of Original Sin has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of political aides and the media in conveying the health and capabilities of public officials. 

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the incident underscores the complexities surrounding leadership, media coverage, and public perception.