Democrats in distress over Biden's health concerns
President Joe Biden's health and fitness to serve have become subjects of intense scrutiny within Democratic circles, as claimed in a newly published book titled "Original Sin." According to authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, the President showed signs of mental and physical decline throughout the last two years of his term, which were allegedly concealed by his inner circle.
In the wake of these claims, Biden allegedly experienced moments of forgetfulness, incoherence, and a struggle to maintain his train of thought. As detailed in the book, members of Congress, staff members within the White House, cabinet officials, and Democratic donors were reportedly shocked and concerned by the President's deteriorating abilities.
Despite the growing concerns, Biden pressed ahead with his re-election campaign, with little intervention from key advisors. The authors portray a presidential team focused more on shielding Biden from public scrutiny rather than evaluating his ability to run for another term.
Reflecting on Biden's performances during the 2024 TV debates, Tapper and Thompson wrote, "What the world saw in his only TV debate was not an anomaly. It wasn't a cold; it wasn't someone who was under- or over-prepared. It wasn't someone who was just a little tired. It was an 81-year-old man whose strength had been waning for years."
When announcing his diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, the President's office received both sympathy and criticism. Former President Donald Trump wished Biden well, while Vice President JD Vance stated that Americans should question whether Biden had the capacity to lead effectively.
The book is based on over 200 interviews with Democratic insiders, primarily conducted after the 2024 election. The White House has criticized the book, with a spokesperson stating, "We'd like to see where national security was threatened or where he was unable to do his job. The facts indicate the opposite: He was a very effective president."
Former President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly voiced concerns that Biden's team was not providing him with accurate information about his re-election prospects. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, who believed the President should withdraw from the race, faced obstacles in sharing this information with Biden.
The book also details instances where Biden appeared forgotten the names of his aides and allies during his campaign. Concerns were raised about his ability to handle a national emergency at 2 a.m., and some members of his cabinet questioned whether he was fit to serve.
In a joint interview with ABC's "The View," the Bidens dismissed claims that Biden had shown cognitive decline. However, the controversy has reignited debates over Biden's capacity to lead, with some commentators expressing reservations about his health despite the recent disclosure of his stage 4 prostate cancer.
- The US presidential election of 2024 has become a topic of discussion in political circles, with concerns about President Joe Biden's health and fitness to serve, as detailed in the book "Original Sin."
- The book suggests that Biden may have experienced cognitive decline, as shown by moments of forgetfulness, incoherence, and struggle to maintain his train of thought.
- The book also reveals that some members of the President's inner circle, including members of Congress, White House staff, cabinet officials, and Democratic donors, were reportedly concerned about Biden's deteriorating abilities.
- As the US presidential election of 2024 approaches, the issue of Biden's health and cognitive abilities has been a subject of debate, with some commentators expressing reservations about his ability to handle a national emergency or lead effectively, given his age and alleged neurological disorders.