In a swift response to allegations made in a new book, President Joe Biden's aides are defending his health and capabilities during the tumultuous 2024 presidential campaign. The book, "Original Sin," authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson of Axios, asserts that Biden's physical condition was so poor that his inner circle considered the possibility of placing him in a wheelchair. A representative for the 82-year-old president remarked that "evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity," emphasizing that Biden had been a "very effective president."
Scheduled for release on May 20, the authors cite anonymous interviews with over 200 individuals, and one notable quote comes from David Plouffe, a campaign figure for Vice-President Kamala Harris. Plouffe commented that the Democratic Party was significantly harmed by Biden's delayed withdrawal from the race, which left Harris only 107 days to mount her challenge against the Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump.
Despite the book's troubling assertions regarding Biden's health—such as internal discussions about his walking difficulties and potential wheelchair use—the president maintains that he would not have changed his course of action. In a recent BBC interview, he stated: "I don't think it would have mattered" if he had exited the race sooner.
The narrative also suggests that Biden's physical deterioration forced aides to adapt his public appearances, including limiting distances he walked and the footwear he wore. His altered gait had previously been attributed to a foot fracture and the refusal to consistently use a surgical boot, according to Biden’s aides.
A spokesperson supported the president, reiterating the lack of evidence demonstrating that Biden compromised his responsibilities due to mental decline. They challenged critics to provide instances where Biden's decisions were adversely affected.
Further complicating the narrative, the book includes a claim that Biden struggled to recognize Hollywood star George Clooney at a campaign event, highlighting potential lapses in memory that drew public attention. Following this incident, Clooney and other major donors publicly distanced themselves from Biden's campaign.
As the narrative around Biden's health continues to unfold, the administration stands firm in its belief that the president remains a capable leader despite the natural signs of aging.
