Former President Joe Biden's inner circle is facing scrutiny following claims of his physical decline during the 2024 presidential campaign detailed in an upcoming book.
Claims of Cover-Up Amid Biden's Deterioration: A Response
Claims of Cover-Up Amid Biden's Deterioration: A Response
Biden's aides refute allegations posed in a new book suggesting a cover-up regarding his health.
Former President Joe Biden's administration finds itself in a defensive position as his aides respond to claims laid out in the forthcoming book "Original Sin," authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios's Alex Thompson. The book alleges that Biden's health has been deteriorating, leading to internal discussions about potential mobility aids like wheelchairs during his campaign for re-election. A Biden spokesperson firmly stated that “evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity,” asserting the president's effectiveness at 82 years old.
The explosive claims have garnered attention, particularly as they coincide with Biden's abrupt withdrawal from the race in July after a tumultuous debate against Donald Trump. Party insiders reportedly criticized Biden for his late departure, which left Vice President Kamala Harris with limited time to mount a challenge. In a recent BBC interview, Biden remarked that an earlier exit would not have changed the campaign's outcome.
The authors of "Original Sin" reference more than 200 interviews, drawing particularly from anonymous sources. One quoted individual, former advisor David Plouffe, expressed frustration over Biden's impact on the party, illustrating the tensions within Democratic ranks. The narrative outlines Biden's noticeable physical challenges, mentioning that aides worked to mitigate his mobility issues and advised him on attire to suit his condition.
Despite ongoing speculation about Biden's physical state, his aides have repeatedly insisted that his cognitive abilities have not interfered with his duties. "There are physical changes as he got older," stated an anonymous aide, emphasizing Biden's continued competence as president. The book also depicts moments of confusion, including Biden's alleged failure to recognize actor George Clooney at a fundraising event, as well as missing names of key associates.
As the book's release date of May 20 approaches, the discussions surrounding Biden's capabilities and the responses from his team are sure to provoke further examination of the state of leadership within the Democratic Party.
