Former US President Joe Biden's team has rejected claims from a new book alleging that his aides were concealing his physical deterioration during his 2024 presidential campaign. The authors suggest that Biden's condition worsened to the point that discussions occurred about him needing a wheelchair. A spokesperson emphasized that age-related changes do not translate to mental incapacity, pointing to Biden's effectiveness in office as contrary evidence. Despite controversies, Biden remains steadfast, asserting he would not have made a difference by withdrawing from the race earlier.
Biden Team Denies Claims of Physical Decline in New Book Ahead of Campaign
Biden Team Denies Claims of Physical Decline in New Book Ahead of Campaign
Biden's aides push back against accusations of a cover-up regarding the President’s physical decline during his re-election bid.
In “Original Sin,” authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios's Alex Thompson, the narrative centers around Biden's declining health amid the campaign. With the publication set for May 20, the book claims Biden’s aides considered logistical adjustments regarding his mobility, including reducing the distances he walked in public. Biden, aged 82, faced scrutiny after a challenging debate against Donald Trump led to the abrupt end of his campaign in July. Party insiders have voiced frustrations about his delayed exit, leaving Vice President Kamala Harris with little time to rally support for the Democrats.
The book references extensive interviews with over 200 individuals but primarily relies on anonymous sources. Notably, David Plouffe, who was involved in Harris's campaign, criticized Biden’s decision-making, stating, “We got so screwed by Biden as a party.” As allegations emerged regarding Biden failing to recognize George Clooney at a fundraising event, Clooney himself would later pen a piece suggesting Biden ought to exit the race, marking a pivotal moment of dissatisfaction among high-profile supporters.
Furthermore, conversations about Biden’s health underscore a broader context of concern, as aides attempted to manage his public appearances amidst worries of further falls or incidents. The President's representatives assert that age is not a determiner of his capability, highlighting instances of successful leadership. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of Biden’s health and performance will continue to resonate within the Democratic Party and among voters leading into the next presidential election.
The book references extensive interviews with over 200 individuals but primarily relies on anonymous sources. Notably, David Plouffe, who was involved in Harris's campaign, criticized Biden’s decision-making, stating, “We got so screwed by Biden as a party.” As allegations emerged regarding Biden failing to recognize George Clooney at a fundraising event, Clooney himself would later pen a piece suggesting Biden ought to exit the race, marking a pivotal moment of dissatisfaction among high-profile supporters.
Furthermore, conversations about Biden’s health underscore a broader context of concern, as aides attempted to manage his public appearances amidst worries of further falls or incidents. The President's representatives assert that age is not a determiner of his capability, highlighting instances of successful leadership. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of Biden’s health and performance will continue to resonate within the Democratic Party and among voters leading into the next presidential election.
