Became vulnerable in an unknown setting I couldn't control all variables as President ... I shouldn't hold events past 4pm my advisors tell me ...

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: It was a bad episode - jet-lag cold that made me feel terrible. No indication of any serious condition. I was exhausted. I didn't listen to my instincts in terms of preparing and-- and a bad night.
[...]
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Because I was sick. I was feeling terrible. Matter of fact, the docs with me. I asked if they did a COVID test because they're trying to figure out what was wrong.
[...]
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: And-- how-- how quickly did it-- did it come to you that you were having that bad night?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Well, it came to me I was havin' a bad night when I realized that even when I was answering a question, even though they turned his mic off, he was still shouting. And I-- I let it distract me. I-- I'm not blaming it on that, but I realized that I just wasn't in control.

Biden's evolving reasons for his bad debate: A cold, too much prep, not feeling great and jet lag | AP News |

'Sapere aude'