In the wake of Joe Biden's debate disaster, many have accused his wife of manipulating him for her own selfish gain - with her ex-husband now joining the chorus of critics.

Bill Stevenson, who was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, says he no longer recognizes his former spouse and her apparent drive for power, as her influence over the embattled president comes into focus.

“The Dr. Jill Biden who I’ve seen on TV in the last five years is not the same person I married or that I recognize in any way,” Stevenson told the New York Post. 

“She’s matriculated into a completely different woman.”

Jill's ex speaks out

Some have characterized Jill's treatment of her husband as "elder abuse." Her comments about his debate performance, in which she praised him for answering "every question," have been criticized as oddly patronizing.

“I just don’t understand why she is so adamant about defending him and keeping him in the race since it appears that he’s struggling,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson has claimed that Jill Biden cheated on him with Joe Biden, but Stevenson insisted he has "no hard feelings" toward his ex-wife.

"I’m just surprised to see her front and center in the middle of this battle after flying under the radar for so many years. She’s always been very driven."

"People say she’s the one who wants to be president now," he said.

Dr. Jill not giving up

Since last week's debate, "Doctor Jill" has defended her husband by contrasting his supposed truthfulness with Donald Trump's "lies." But Stevenson says he knows Biden's character better than the average person.

“It makes me cringe every time he [Joe Biden] calls Trump a liar, because I’m telling you right now, there is no better liar than President Biden,” Stevenson said.

“He’s just a bad person. I’m probably one of the few people outside his family who has known him for 50 years.”

Jill Biden and her stepson Hunter Biden both urged Joe Biden to keep fighting during a private family meeting over the weekend. A fresh poll found that 72% of registered voters do not believe Biden is mentally equipped to do his job.

Many would say "Doctor Jill's" motives are not exactly mysterious. She is featured on the latest cover of Vogue, which supplied a fawning write-up while giving her an opportunity to keep blasting critics.

“We will continue to fight,” she said, claiming Biden “will always do what’s best for the country.”