Former CNN editor-at-large Chris Cillizza has publicly acknowledged his failure to adequately investigate President Biden's mental fitness during his time at the network. In a recent YouTube video, Cillizza confessed to dismissing concerns about Biden's cognitive abilities, attributing his inaction partly to the White House's insistence that such questions were tantamount to ageism.

Cillizza recounted how he frequently disregarded inquiries from Republicans about Biden's fitness, citing a lack of concrete evidence. He also admitted to internalizing the White House's narrative, which framed any questions about Biden's mental state as offensive. He stated that this influenced his decision to avoid pressing the issue, despite lingering doubts.

However, Cillizza's perspective shifted after leaving CNN. Recent reports from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, highlighting Biden's diminished capacity, prompted Cillizza to reconsider his previous stance. He expressed concern over Biden's limited engagement with his cabinet and lawmakers, and the White House's efforts to shield him from public scrutiny.

Cillizza now believes journalists, including himself, should have been more persistent in their questioning. He admitted to being swayed by the White House's “shame campaign,” which discouraged inquiries into Biden’s mental acuity. He now views this as a crucial lesson for the future, especially considering the advanced age of potential future presidential candidates like Donald Trump.

Cillizza's apology has been met with mixed reactions, with some critics, like Meghan McCain, questioning its sincerity. McCain pointed to Cillizza's past scrutiny of her father, Senator John McCain's, age during his 2008 presidential campaign, suggesting a double standard.