Joe Biden’s cognitive health—or lack thereof—has been named 2024’s most underreported story by CBS News reporter Jan Crawford. Appearing on Face the Nation this past Sunday, Crawford emphasized that stronger reporting on the matter would have had a strong impact on the November election.

The debate that changed perceptions

During the segment, moderator Major Garrett asked Crawford about the year’s most overlooked stories. Without hesitation, she pointed to Biden’s cognitive decline, stating, “Undercovered and underreported, that would be, to me, Joe Biden’s obvious cognitive decline that became undeniable in the televised debate.”

Crawford referenced a Washington Post article titled “How the White House Functioned With a Diminished Biden in Charge,” which alleged that White House officials had worked to conceal Biden’s declining mental health. She argued, “We should have much more forcefully questioned whether he was fit for office for another four years, which could have led to a primary for the Democrats. It could have changed the scope of the entire election.”

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Allegations of cover-ups

The reporting cited by Crawford suggested that Biden’s advisers downplayed his cognitive struggles. Yet, despite his early withdrawal from the presidential race, Crawford noted that some staffers still believe Biden could have triumphed against Trump. “That is either delusional, or they’re gaslighting the American people,” she added bluntly.

While Crawford’s comments sparked conversation, CBS News’ chief election correspondent Robert Costa offered a contrasting perspective. Costa pointed out that Biden’s aides maintain that he has consistently been in good health. Referring to Biden’s debate performance, Costa remarked, “He’s always been fine, and he leaves fine. That is his position and the position of many of his top aides.”

Broader implications

Crawford’s claims underline the ongoing debate about media responsibility in scrutinizing public divs. If Biden’s cognitive health had received more rigorous coverage, could it have swayed public opinion? As the dust settles on the 2024 election, this remains a contentious topic.

While opinions differ on the extent of Biden’s cognitive challenges, Crawford’s assertion sheds light on a broader issue of underreporting critical topics. As journalists and audiences reflect on this election year, one question lingers: what other stories were left untold?