Haberman says Trump 'more incoherent, more rambling': 'No question'
CNN political analyst and New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman spoke about former President Trump’s messaging and cognitive ability, saying that "there’s no question that he’s more incoherent, more rambling. He's older."
During the interview on CNN Thursday night, Haberman also noted how long Trump’s speeches have been during his 2024 campaign. A New York Times analysis found that the 78-year-old GOP candidate’s speeches are 82 minutes long, on average. In 2016, the average length of his speeches was 45 minutes.
While Haberman did note that there isn’t a “marked huge difference” in Trump’s personality now compared to eight years ago, she said the former president’s language is “darker” and “angrier.” She also said he is more “open to talking about revenge.”
The same New York Times analysis reported that Trump uses 32 percent more negative words than positive words, up from 21 percent in 2016.
Trump has faced concerns over his mental fortitude during his campaign. At a rally in Georgia Thursday night, former President Obama called the former president's speeches “word salad.”
CNN host Chris Wallace said earlier this month that the question of Trump’s mental state and ability is working in favor of Vice President Harris, given the two candidates have a near 20-year age gap. Trump would be the oldest president in American history by the end of his second term if he wins the White House in November. Harris turned 60 years old last weekend.
Harris’s campaign has homed in on Trump’s age, with the Democratic nominee commenting on his recent interview cancellations.
“His own campaign team recently said it is because of exhaustion,” the Democratic campaign posted alongside a video of Harris on the social platform X. “If you are exhausted on the campaign trail, it raises real questions about whether you are fit for the toughest job in the world.”
In response to Wallace’s previous remarks, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told The Hill that Trump has “more energy and more stamina than anyone in politics.”