(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . It's the stutter, stupid. Efforts to confuse speech impediment with cognitive decline are deliberate [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-07-01 In politics, the ability to communicate effectively is paramount. For President Joe Biden, this has been a lifelong challenge due to his stutter. This speech disorder, which affects his fluency, has often been misconstrued and unfairly criticized, particularly by those looking to undermine his leadership. It can cause him to get stuck on words, replace words, or sometimes just turn midsentence. It's how he handles his disability. It's essential to understand that Joe Biden's stutter is not a sign of cognitive decline but a part of his personal journey, one he has managed with resilience and determination. Joe Biden's struggle with stuttering began in his childhood. He has openly shared how this condition affected his confidence and communication. Despite this, Biden pursued a career in law and politics, fields that demand effective public speaking. His determination to overcome his stutter is a testament to his character. He used techniques like reading poetry aloud and practicing speeches in front of a mirror to improve his fluency. There are numerous instances where Biden's stutter has been evident. During debates and public speeches, he sometimes pauses, repeats words, or uses fillers. These are his wheelchair. These are not signs of a lack of knowledge or understanding but rather manifestations of his stutter. In fact, Biden has turned his experience with stuttering into a source of inspiration for others, often reaching out to young people who face similar challenges. Unfortunately, in the political arena, Biden's stutter has not been met with understanding or empathy by all. Convicted felon Donald Trump, has a history of mocking those with disabilities. His infamous imitation of a disabled reporter during the 2016 campaign is a stark example. It's also something that is used against Biden in a debate. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie advised Trump in 2020 to constantly interrupt Biden knowing that would trigger his stutter/stammer and make him appear incoherent. There's no reason to believe this did not occur in the most recent debate, although with the microphones off only Biden would have heard it and not the television audience. This kind of behavior has set a tone within the Republican Party, where mocking and belittling opponents has become a strategy. It is just who they are. This approach is not only cruel but also dangerous. By equating Biden's stutter and age-related communication challenges with senility or dementia, these critics are not only spreading misinformation but also stigmatizing disabilities. It is essential to distinguish between natural aging processes and a lifelong speech disorder. Biden himself has acknowledged that he doesn't walk as well as he used to and that his speech isn't as smooth. These admissions are marks of honesty, not of cognitive decline. The contrast between Joe Biden and convicted felon Donald Trump could not be starker. Trump has been described by former aides and insiders as erratic and unfit for office. Reports from those close to him depict a man who is often incoherent and impulsive and completely unfit for office. In contrast, there is no such narrative about Joe Biden. His colleagues and staff consistently describe him as clear-headed, decisive, and knowledgeable. Biden's stutter does not impede his ability to make informed decisions or to lead effectively. In crucial meetings and negotiations, Biden is described as being in command, fully understanding the issues at hand, and making thoughtful decisions. For instance, during his summit with President Xi Jinping of China, Biden was praised for his candid and constructive discussions on a range of bilateral and global issues, demonstrating his leadership and command of complex topics. Similarly, his negotiations with Saudi Arabia resulted in significant agreements, such as opening Saudi airspace to Israeli flights and supporting a truce in Yemen, highlighting his ability to achieve substantial diplomatic outcomes. In his meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Israel relationship and worked on advancing regional integration and peace efforts, further showcasing his effective leadership and strategic vision. Mocking Joe Biden for his stutter is not just an attack on him but on everyone who struggles with speech disorders. It is akin to mocking someone for being in a wheelchair, to making fun of Michael J Fox because he suffers from Parkinson's, to laugh at someone suffering from ALS. It is morally repugnant. It perpetuates a harmful stigma and discourages people from seeking public office or other roles because their body is failing them in some way. We must move beyond such petty criticisms and focus on the substantive issues that define leadership. Joe Biden's story is one of resilience and determination. He has faced his speech challenges head-on and has not allowed them to define his capabilities. His experience should inspire empathy and respect, not ridicule. As a society, we must recognize and appreciate the difference between a speech disorder and cognitive decline, understanding that the former does not preclude effective leadership. Joe Biden's stutter is a part of who he is, not a reflection of his mental acuity. Those who mock him for it reveal more about their own character than his. It's time we focus on the qualities that truly matter in a leader: integrity, wisdom, and the ability to make sound decisions. And by these measures, Joe Biden stands tall, stutter and all. [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/7/1/2250385/-It-s-the-stutter-stupid-Efforts-to-confuse-speech-impediment-with-cognitive-decline-are-deliberate?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=trending&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/