Former US President Joe Biden's aides have hit back at a new book that accuses his White House inner circle of covering up his "physical deterioration" during his ill-fated re-election campaign. According to the book, Original Sin, Biden's condition during his 2024 presidential run was said to be so poor that aides discussed putting him in a wheelchair. A spokesperson for Biden, 82, said "evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity" and maintained the Democrat had been "a very effective president". The book, by CNN's Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson of Axios, is due to be released on 20 May. Biden abruptly ended his re-election campaign last July shortly after his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump, a Republican. Party insiders blamed him for exiting the race too late, leaving his replacement, Vice-President Kamala Harris, 107 days to challenge Trump, who swept to victory. Ahead of the book's release, Biden last week gave his first interview since leaving the White Houseto the BBC, saying: "I don't think it would have mattered" if he had left the race sooner. While the book largely cites anonymous sources in interviews with more than 200 people, one of the few to be quoted on the record is David Plouffe, who worked on Vice-President Harris's campaign. "We got so screwed by Biden as a party," the book quotes Plouffe as saying. The authors write: "Biden's physical deterioration - most apparent in his halting walk - had become so severe that there were internal discussions about putting the president in a wheelchair, but they couldn't do so until after the election. "Given Biden's age, [his physician Kevin O'Connor] also privately said that if he had another bad fall, a wheelchair might be necessary for what could be a difficult recovery," the book adds. Biden's physical condition had declined so much, the authors said, that aides had sought to ensure he walked shorter distances, used handrails when mounting stairs, and wore trainers more often. At the time, Biden aides repeatedly told reporters his altered gait was due to a foot fracture in November 2020 and his subsequent refusal to consistently wear his prescribed surgical boot. In a statement to Axios, an anonymous Biden aide said: "Yes, there were physical changes as he got older, but evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity." The spokesperson added: "We are still waiting for someone, anyone, to point out where Joe Biden had to make a presidential decision or make a presidential address where he was unable to do his job because of mental decline. "In fact, the evidence points to the opposite - he was a very effective president." Tapper and Thompson's book also says that Biden did not recognise George Clooney at a star-studded California campaign fundraiser last June hosted by the Hollywood star. "Thank you for being here," Biden told Clooney at the event, apparently unaware he was speaking to the Academy Award winner. "You know George," an aide reportedly told Biden, as he was struggled to work out Clooney's identity. Not long after the incident, Clooney wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times calling on Biden to quit the race. The actor was one of the first major donors to publicly withdraw his support. The book also alleges that Biden forgot the names of veteran aides, including trusted loyalist Mike Donilon, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and White House communications director Kate Bedingfield.
Biden aide hits back at book alleging cover-up of his 'deterioration'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Biden's Aides Respond to Book Alleging Concealment of His Health Issues During Campaign"
Bbc News
5.4
TruthLens AI Summary
A new book titled "Original Sin," authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios's Alex Thompson, has sparked controversy by alleging that former President Joe Biden's aides concealed his physical decline during his 2024 re-election campaign. The book claims that Biden's condition deteriorated significantly, with aides reportedly discussing the possibility of using a wheelchair for him due to his noticeable physical issues. A Biden spokesperson has responded to these claims, stating that while aging is evident, it does not equate to mental incapacity. The spokesperson emphasized Biden's effectiveness as a president, countering assertions made in the book that suggest his age and physical state impaired his ability to fulfill his duties. The book is set to be released on May 20 and draws upon interviews with over 200 anonymous sources, though some former aides, like David Plouffe, are quoted on the record expressing frustration over Biden's handling of his re-election campaign and its impact on the party.
The authors of "Original Sin" detail various instances indicating Biden's physical challenges, including his altered gait stemming from a previous foot injury and his need for assistance with mobility. Furthermore, they recount an incident during a campaign fundraiser hosted by George Clooney, where Biden reportedly failed to recognize the actor, leading to further concerns about his cognitive sharpness. This event prompted Clooney to publicly withdraw his support for Biden, reflecting a growing unease among some Democratic supporters regarding Biden's viability as a candidate. The book also mentions other instances where Biden appeared to forget the names of key aides, raising questions about his cognitive abilities. In response to the book's allegations, Biden's team is adamant that he has maintained his effectiveness as president, asserting that there is no evidence of mental decline impacting his ability to make presidential decisions or address the nation competently.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent article highlights tensions surrounding former President Joe Biden's health and the alleged cover-up by his aides during his 2024 re-election campaign. It suggests that Biden's physical condition has become a point of contention, especially with the impending release of a book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that claims serious concerns about his health were kept under wraps. The piece reflects on the implications of Biden's health on his political standing and the Democratic Party's future.
Intended Message and Public Perception
The narrative seems aimed at raising questions about Biden's fitness for office, particularly as he has recently stepped back into the public spotlight. The use of terms like "physical deterioration" and discussions of wheelchair use may evoke concerns about his capability to fulfill presidential duties. This can lead to a perception that the Democratic Party is in disarray and unable to present a viable candidate for future elections.
Underlying Secrets and Public Distrust
There may be an attempt to distract from other pressing issues by focusing on Biden’s health. The book’s reliance on anonymous sources can create skepticism about the validity of its claims, potentially leading the public to question not only Biden's health but also the transparency of his administration. This could be seen as an effort to shift the conversation away from policy failures or other challenges faced by the Biden administration.
Manipulative Elements and Credibility
The article’s manipulative potential lies in its sensational framing of Biden’s health issues. By emphasizing physical decline and internal discussions about wheelchair use, the authors may be attempting to invoke fear or concern among voters. The use of anonymous sources also raises questions about the reliability of the information presented. Although the article includes a response from Biden’s spokesperson, the overall tone leans toward creating doubt rather than fostering understanding.
Comparative Analysis and Contextual Connections
When compared to other political articles focusing on health and leadership, this piece aligns with a pattern of scrutinizing older politicians. Such scrutiny is often intensified during election cycles, particularly when candidates face opposition. The article's framing may connect to other reports that similarly challenge the competence of aging political figures, thus creating a broader narrative of inadequacy among leaders in power.
Potential Impact on Society and Politics
The implications of this narrative could be significant, potentially influencing public opinion about Biden and the Democratic Party leading into future elections. If the public perceives Biden as weak or incapable, it may bolster support for his opponents, particularly as they position themselves as stronger alternatives. This could lead to a shift in party dynamics, affecting candidate selection and electoral strategies.
Affected Demographics and Political Support
This article may resonate more with those who are already skeptical of Biden’s leadership, including younger voters who may prefer more dynamic candidates. The framing of Biden's health may also attract attention from individuals concerned about age and fitness in leadership roles, thus shaping voter sentiment in a particular direction.
Market and Economic Implications
In terms of market impact, news of Biden's health and the potential for political instability can affect investor confidence, particularly in sectors sensitive to political leadership. Stocks related to healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or companies that thrive under stable governance may experience fluctuations based on public perception of the administration's strength.
Geopolitical Relevance
The article’s context also ties into broader discussions about leadership in global politics, especially as the U.S. navigates its role on the world stage. Public confidence in leadership can influence international relations, trade agreements, and foreign policy decisions, making this narrative relevant in the context of global power dynamics.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
While there is no explicit indication that AI was used in crafting this article, the structured presentation of arguments and the focus on specific narratives may suggest a level of algorithmic influence in selecting which angles to emphasize. If AI were involved, it might have guided the framing to align with prevailing public sentiments or media trends.
In conclusion, this article presents a narrative that casts doubt on Biden's fitness for office, potentially serving the interests of those opposed to his leadership. The reliability of the claims made is questionable, and the overall tone exhibits manipulative characteristics. The implications for public perception, political dynamics, and market stability are significant, indicating a potentially contentious political landscape ahead.