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Tensions Rise Among Biden’s Advisors Over Age Concerns, New Book Uncovers
A new book has illuminated internal conflicts among advisors of former President Joe Biden regarding his re-election bid. The narrative sheds light on Biden’s cognitive decline and purported efforts to cover up these issues within his administration.
Klain Confronts Axelrod Over Age Comments
Ron Klain, Biden’s former Chief of Staff, reacted strongly against David Axelrod, a key strategist from Barack Obama’s campaigns, after Axelrod expressed concerns about Biden’s age. Klain rebuked Axelrod for emphasizing that Biden’s age could be a significant hindrance in the upcoming election.
Axelrod had pointed out the harsh reality that if Biden were to serve a second term, he would likely approach 90 years old. He stated, “The presidency is a monstrously taxing job, and the stark reality is the president would be closer to 90 than 80 at the end of a second term, and that would be a major issue,” as reported in The New York Times.
Emotional Phone Call Revealed
Following the publication of the Times’ article in June 2022, Klain placed a heated call to Axelrod. This revelation comes from the book titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” penned by CNN anchor Jake Tapper and political correspondent Alex Thompson.
In their conversation, Klain defended Biden’s candidacy by emphasizing the president’s unique position against Donald Trump. He argued, “Who’s going to beat Trump? President Biden is the only one who has done it. You better have a lot of certainty about a different candidate before you say the president should step aside. The future of the country depends on it!”
Concerns About Biden’s Ability to Serve
While Klain exhibited unwavering loyalty to Biden, Axelrod’s perspective reflected a broader concern shared by many Americans regarding the president’s age and capabilities. As the chief architect behind Obama’s two successful campaigns, Axelrod had significant influence and was one of the last advisors to speak with Biden before he was selected as Obama’s running mate in 2008.
Interestingly, Axelrod had initially discouraged Biden from running for president in 2015, not anticipating Biden’s candidacy at 77 in 2020.
Unexpected Visit Sparks Concerns
During a 2018 visit to Biden’s rental home in Virginia, Axelrod was reportedly shocked by the noticeable changes in Biden’s appearance over the years. The book recounts how Axelrod cautioned Biden that age would be a crucial issue for his campaign. He encouraged Biden to leverage his experience and wisdom in confronting this challenge.
Critical Opinions as 2024 Approaches
As the discussions around Biden’s potential re-election intensified, Axelrod’s worries deepened. He voiced that Biden should reconsider his decision to run in 2024. Axelrod candidly told Tapper and Thompson that he wished someone in the administration would intervene and persuade Biden and his family that running again was unwise.
Pointing to negative polling data from battleground states, Axelrod took to social media, urging Biden to step back from the race. He argued that the consequences of misjudgment were far too significant to overlook.
Social Media Discourse Escalates
Axelrod stated, “Only Joe Biden can make this decision. If he continues to run, he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party. What he needs to decide is whether that is wise; whether it’s in HIS best interest or the country’s?” His sentiments echoed the growing unease within the party about Biden’s viability as a candidate.
In a direct response to Axelrod’s posts, Klain took to social media, asserting, “Man who called Biden ‘Mr. Magoo’ in August 2019 is still at it,” thus highlighting the contention between the two prominent political figures.
Private Insults and Confidential Support
Further revealing the tension, an excerpt from the book details an incident where Biden disparaged Axelrod, calling him a derogatory name. The authors note that many prominent Democrats secretly agreed with Axelrod’s sentiments but chose to remain silent to avoid undermining Biden’s position as the party’s leading candidate against Trump.
Defending Biden’s Leadership
Fox News Digital has extensively reported on Biden’s cognitive decline and the role his inner circle may have played in downplaying these issues. In defense of the president, a Biden spokesperson asserted, “There is nothing in this book that shows Joe Biden failed to do his job, nor did they prove their allegation that there was a cover-up or conspiracy.”
They emphasized that Biden has been actively engaged in leading the nation, showcasing his capabilities as an effective president.
A Nation Watches Closely
As the 2024 election draws closer, the internal debates within Biden’s circle reflect broader concerns among voters regarding leadership and capacity in the Oval Office. These revelations may impact Democratic strategies as the party navigates a pivotal election season. With high stakes and keen scrutiny, every move is poised to shape the political landscape further.
