Biden hits back after attack on his 'fuzzy' memory

He lashes out after special counsel says president, 81, could not recall when son died

- Jitendra Joshi

JOE BIDEN was forced to insist today "my memory is fine" after a special counsel ruled that the US president was too old and forgetful to face prosecution for retaining classified papers.

The focus on the 81-year-old Democrat's memory lapses highlighted widespread concern among voters about his advancing years ahead of November's presidential election. Mr Biden is mostly likely to face Donald Trump, 77, who has his own legal problems over the hoarding of secret documents.

"I know what the hell I'm doing. My memory has not gotten worse. My memory is fine," Mr Biden responded angrily at a combative White House press conference.

It came after government-appointed counsel Robert Hur ruled out criminal charges despite finding Mr Biden had.

"wilfully retained" documents he should have handed back after serving as vice-president and Delaware senator.

Mr Hur's report described Mr Biden's memory as "fuzzy" and suffering from "significant limitations", saying he could not recall milestones in his own life such as when he ended his vice-presidential term (2017) and when his son Beau Biden had died of brain cancer (in 2015, at the age of 46).