Former Biden Official Alleges White House Misled Public on President’s Health and Age Concerns

Former Biden Official Alleges White House Misled Public on President’s Health and Age Concerns

A former official in the Biden administration has made startling claims, suggesting that the White House misled the public regarding President Biden’s cognitive abilities and age. During a recent seminar held by Puck reporter Tara Palmeri at the Sine Institute of Policy and Politics at American University, Michael LaRosa, who previously served as press secretary to First Lady Jill Biden, discussed the internal measures taken to shield the president from critical media scrutiny.

Media’s Role in Defending Biden

Throughout the intense competition of the 2024 presidential race, numerous media commentators rallied to defend President Biden in the face of growing speculation about his mental acuity. This defense became particularly pronounced following a report by Special Counsel Robert Hur, which highlighted Biden’s well-meaning but forgetful nature. Additionally, viral videos that depicted moments of confusion, along with reports from credible outlets like the Wall Street Journal about his declining performance behind the scenes, fueled public concern.

Gaslighting Allegations

While LaRosa refrained from labeling these strategies as outright cover-ups, he openly acknowledged that the White House recognized from the outset that Biden’s age presented a significant challenge. Particularly, LaRosa noted that efforts to downplay polling data indicating a stagnation in Biden’s popularity were prevalent.

Despite countless surveys suggesting that a majority of Americans felt Biden was too old to seek a second term, many in the media framed inquiries about his health as unfounded conspiracy theories. This dismissal intensified after a disappointing debate performance in June, marking a pivotal moment for Biden’s campaign.

Inside the White House Dynamics

LaRosa stated, “There are some things that are true. I mean, like the gaslighting; there was a lot of denial about the polling. And I will use the term gaslight because that’s what they were doing during the campaign.” He emphasized that staffers were instructed to deflect concerns about live polls, reiterating that early polling results should not be taken seriously.

As soon as Biden’s lead began to wane, the data previously touted by the White House lost its significance among aides. According to LaRosa, it became apparent that the Democratic establishment was beginning to fear backlash from a growing number of reports documenting Biden’s cognitive decline.

Criticism of Media Responses

In an intriguing twist, LaRosa criticized the administration’s response to questions raised by left-leaning organizations, including The New York Times. These outlets had begun to report on Biden’s age and polling challenges midway through 2024, which led to tensions between them and the White House.

Reports from outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times have shown that Biden’s advisers have held concerns about his health since the early stages of his presidency. In many instances, the White House dismissed questions regarding Biden’s capacity, even labeling troubling viral videos as “cheap fakes.”

The Fear of Unscripted Interactions

LaRosa further explained the anxiety surrounding the president’s unscripted appearances. He described Biden’s team as being “scared to death” about allowing him to engage in spontaneous press conferences, suggesting that they felt it was better to keep him under controlled conditions. According to LaRosa, Biden had the enthusiasm and charisma for live television; however, the confidence of his campaign team faltered.

“They just couldn’t do it,” LaRosa said. “They didn’t have any idea. And they didn’t have the vessel either in Biden, by the way, who would have done anything. He loves TV. He loves doing stuff. It was the orbit that did not trust their own candidate.”

Public Response to the Administration

The Biden administration did not provide immediate comment in response to requests for clarification on these allegations. Such silence accentuates the ongoing concerns of voters who are increasingly questioning the administration’s transparency.

As the 2024 election approaches, discussions surrounding Biden’s age and cognitive ability are likely to intensify, especially if public sentiment continues to sway. Citizens will be eager to gather more information to understand the implications of such claims on their voting decisions.

A New Era of Accountability

This revelation from a former insider urges a critical reassessment of the actions taken by the White House and the media. It emphasizes the necessity for transparency and genuine communication between leaders and the public. As scrutiny mounts, both the Biden administration and its supporters must navigate a landscape where questions about age and competency will persist. The ongoing discourse will significantly shape the upcoming election and the future of American politics.

Fox News’ Kristine Parks contributed to this report.