In brief
As a book detailing President Biden’s alleged deteriorating health gains attention ahead of its release, aides defend his capabilities, asserting that age does not equate to incapacity.
A forthcoming book titled "Original Sin" by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios's Alex Thompson has ignited controversy by alleging that members of President Joe Biden’s inner circle engaged in a cover-up regarding his declining health during his 2024 presidential campaign. The authors suggest that aides discussed the potential need for a wheelchair due to Biden's significant physical deterioration, particularly his altered gait.In response to the claims, Biden spokespersons underscore that "evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity," arguing that the president, now 82, remains an effective leader. Biden himself, reflecting on his abrupt withdrawal from the campaign last July after a difficult debate against Donald Trump, insisted that an earlier exit would not have changed the outcome.The book notes that discussions regarding Biden's health included consultations with his physician, who expressed concern that further falls could necessitate the use of a wheelchair. Internal strategies among aides to manage Biden's physical activity levels were revealed, including measures such as encouraging shorter walks and the use of handrails.Biden's aides previously attributed alterations in his walking patterns to a foot fracture suffered in late 2020 and his subsequent avoidance of a surgical boot. An anonymous aide stressed that while there were visible physical changes, there remains no event that illustrates a failure in Biden’s decision-making capacity due to a decline in mental function.The narrative of Biden's health is further complicated by an anecdote involving actor George Clooney, as reported in the book. During a fundraiser last June, Biden reportedly failed to recognize Clooney, leading to speculation about his cognitive awareness. Following this incident, Clooney publicly retracted his support and called for Biden to step back from the race.Between these mounting allegations and Biden's insistence on his effectiveness as president, the discourse surrounding his state and the future of his political career continues to evolve as the book is set for release on May 20.
