House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, was mocked on social media after saying Biden would use energy drinks for his first debate with former President Donald Trump this election cycle.
Biden and Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, are set to go head-to-head in Atlanta on Thursday in a presidential debate hosted by CNN. While Biden is preparing for the debate with campaign staff at Camp David, Jason Miller—the Trump campaign’s senior adviser—said the former president “does not need to be programmed by staff or shot up with chemicals like Joe Biden does.”
On Tuesday, Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins that “no one expects that Joe Biden will be on cocaine” during the debate, but he has suggested on multiple occasions this week that Biden may turn to energy drinks.
During an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Tuesday night, Johnson said, “I expect [Biden’s] gonna to be up on energy drinks or whatever they’re gonna to give him.”
On Wednesday, Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill: “I did a lot of media over the last several days and everybody wants to know which Joe Biden’s gonna show up. Look, my summary is this: It doesn’t matter if he drinks a whole gallon of energy drinks, he’s not gonna be able to match the acumen and the readiness of Donald Trump.”
Users on X, formerly Twitter, are mocking Johnson’s claims, with one writing, “Are Republicans going to ban energy drinks and Starbucks next?”
Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images
“Who cares if Joe Biden pounds a Red Bull before the debate? They’re terrified of him,” a user wrote.
“They are scared,” another added.
One commenter made light of Johnson’s claims with a reference to the comedic film Talladega Nights: “I will write a check to Biden for $1000 if he comes out at the debate and says ‘I’m all jacked up on Mountain Dew!’ $2000 if he threatens to come at Trump ‘like a spider monkey.'”
Newsweek has contacted Biden’s and Trump’s campaigns and Johnson’s office for comment via email.
In March, Biden delivered a State of the Union address that was widely received as a success. The speech showed Biden as an energetic president and boosted his reelection campaign. However, some of his critics suggested he took performance-enhancing drugs to pull it off. There is no evidence to suggest that Biden has taken drugs to improve his public appearances or plans to take any ahead of the debate.
A Biden campaign official told CNN last week, “The president has gotten increasingly punchier in recent remarks about Trump and plans to carry that theme through to the debate.”
Johnson wasn’t the only Republican to claim that Biden would use a stimulant to enhance his performance at the debate. Representative Eric Burlison, a Missouri Republican, told Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo on Tuesday, “Trump’s team should not underestimate Joe Biden and his team’s ability to—whether they’re gonna jack him up on Mountain Dew or whatever it is.”
Responding to Burlison’s claim, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough said on Morning Joe on Wednesday, “This is desperation.” He added: “This shows how nervous they are. This is not how someone who’s confident acts.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
