On the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden speaks to the audience just weeks after ceasing his reelection bid. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who previously ran for president in 2016, also takes the stage during the convention.

YSL News is here to analyze the statements made by the speakers, distinguishing fact from fiction and offering context where needed. Stay updated with our coverage of Clinton and Biden’s addresses.

Biden Speaks in Support of Harris’ Nomination

In an unprecedented change, current President Joe Biden will take the stage tonight to launch the Democratic National Convention, stepping into a role typically reserved for the incumbent president during the final speech.

Biden made the decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race on June 21, responding to increasing calls from fellow Democrats for him to bow out. The shift in opinion surged post a debate where he faced significant criticism for his performance against former President Donald Trump.

Joe Biden, now 81, is the oldest active president in U.S. history, and had he chosen to remain in the race and won, he would be 86 at the conclusion of a potential second term. Polls prior to his exit indicated that many Americans were worried about his age, as well as that of 78-year-old Trump.

Despite his commitment to the campaign, Biden later acknowledged that stepping aside was in the “best interest of my party and the country” in a letter announcing his departure.

He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee and, in a primetime speech from the Oval Office, urged Americans that “the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”

YSL News has debunked several misleading claims concerning Biden’s exit:

• Claim: An image shows Biden being sued over “Let’s go, Brandon” merchandise after leaving the race (False)
• Claim: A video depicts Biden delivering a vulgar address from the Oval Office (Altered)

• Claim: Biden is reportedly in hospice care (False)

• Claim: A post suggests that the absence of a presidential seal on Biden’s withdrawal letter warrants suspicion (Missing context)

• Claim: A flag at half-staff at the U.S. Capitol relates to Joe Biden (False)

• Claim: Joe Biden has resigned (False)

-BrieAnna Frank

Concerns About Biden’s Health and Mental Fitness Persist Among Democrats

Concerns among Democrats regarding President Biden’s mental state have intensified, particularly after his troubled debate performance against Donald Trump in June. While Biden’s team initially dismissed these worries as just “a bad night,” he ultimately faced overwhelming pressure to exit the 2024 race.

Even after withdrawing from running, social media speculation about Biden’s health continues to grow. Some of Trump’s supporters have gone as far as suggesting he has passed away or is in hospice after his absence from public appearances following a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Despite the president asserting that he is healthy and intends to complete his term, his statements and behaviors are frequently scrutinized and often misrepresented online.

YSL News has countered numerous false assertions concerning Biden’s mental capability and physical health:

• Claim: Biden is in hospice care (False)
• Claim: Joe Biden was declared ‘mentally unfit’ to face trial (False)
• Claim: Biden experienced a medical crisis on Air Force One on July 5 (False)
• Claim: Biden accidentally read ‘end of quote’ from a teleprompter (False)
• Claim: A video shows Biden discussing his resignation as president in 2024 (False)
• Claim: Biden fell asleep during the debate (False)
• Claim: Biden claimed he’s running for president to ‘diminish the likelihood of war in Vietnam’ (False)

-Hannah Hudnall