Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Former President Joe Biden’s aides reportedly expressed worries about the possibility of him needing a wheelchair if he runs for a second term in the 2024 election. As the president’s physical state deteriorated in 2023 and into 2024, discussions among his close staff turned candid regarding his mobility issues, a forthcoming book reveals.
According to the soon-to-be-released book titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” Biden’s physical condition had become a significant concern. The text states that his mobility issues were evident in his progressive walk. There were internal conversations about needing to consider a wheelchair, though aides believed they could only take such measures after the election cycle.
CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson are the authors behind this revealing book, set for release on Tuesday. It forms part of a growing body of literature examining the unprecedented nature of the 2024 presidential election, a race shadowed by increasing calls for Biden to step aside due to worries about his mental sharpness and advancing age.
As Biden’s health became more scrutinized, concerns intensified following a mishap in June 2023, when he stumbled over a sandbag during the graduation ceremony at the Air Force Academy. Eyewitnesses reported the incident, leading to significant public discourse regarding the implications of such falls.
A White House representative attempted to downplay the incident, stating that Biden was merely navigating a stage altered by a sandbag. Critics, however, labeled the fall as emblematic of a troubling decline in the president’s physical capabilities, framing it as an instance of what they termed “elder abuse.”
In light of such incidents, aides implemented various measures to enhance Biden’s safety. They devised shorter walking routes and encouraged him to use handrails while ascending or descending stairs. Additionally, aides advised him to wear sneakers to improve stability while managing public appearances as the 2024 campaign began to gain momentum.
Biden’s mental faculties had already raised eyebrows even before the 2020 election. This scrutiny escalated in February 2024 following comments from special counsel Robert Hur, who investigated allegations regarding Biden’s handling of classified documents from his vice presidency. Hur decided against recommending charges, describing Biden as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” further intensifying concerns over the president’s mental acuity.
The scrutiny of Biden’s mental sharpness peaked once again in June 2024 during the presidential debates. Many observers characterized his performance as lackluster, leading not only conservatives but also traditional supporters to question the president’s health. This prompted renewed discussions urging Biden to consider the future leadership of the nation and to potentially pass the mantle to younger candidates.
By the end of July 2024, Biden made a momentous decision and withdrew from the race. This left his successor for the nomination, former Vice President Kamala Harris, with limited time to secure support for the upcoming election. Trump and Vice President JD Vance eventually emerged victorious, solidifying their hold on key battleground states.
Moreover, the book introduces claims from former aides suggesting that Biden’s cognitive faculties may have been compromised due to their overreliance on scripts and prepared remarks. This raised profound questions regarding his capacity to engage effectively with the nation’s pressing issues.
A spokesperson for Biden responded to inquiries regarding claims presented in the book, acknowledging observable physical changes due to aging. However, the representative emphasized that signs of aging do not equate to diminished mental capacity. They argued that the president’s “stiffened gait” resulted from spinal wear and tear but maintained no special treatment was warranted.
Furthermore, the spokesperson asserted there have been no instances where Biden’s mental state impeded his ability to fulfill presidential duties or public engagements. They pointed out the contrary, suggesting evidence indicating he had performed effectively during his term.
The revelations contained within this upcoming book spark critical dialogues about the intersection of health and political leadership. As America looks ahead to future elections, questions surrounding a candidate’s physical and mental readiness will undoubtedly continue to be at the forefront of voter concerns.
Fox News Digital reached out to Biden’s office for further comments regarding the revelations but received no immediate response. As discussions about Biden’s health evolve, they will surely influence perceptions and decisions going into the 2024 presidential election.