Former President Joe Biden’s physical deterioration was severe enough in the second half of his presidency that his aides privately discussed putting him in a wheelchair for his second term, according to a new book from CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson. Axios reported Tuesday on the new details from “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” which is being released on May 20. The book is based on more than 200 interviews, mostly with Democratic insiders, almost all of which occurred after the 2024 election was over. According to the report, Biden aides believed it was politically untenable to have the president use a wheelchair during his reelection bid — but they believed he might have to do so if he won a second term. “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,” the authors write. Biden’s personal physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, privately warned the president’s team that if Biden had a bad fall in 2023 or 2024, “a wheelchair might be necessary for what could be a difficult recovery,” Tapper and Thompson report. The details help illustrate how the team around Biden took steps to try to protect him during his reelection bid, including finding shorter walking paths to stages, adding handrails to any steps and using a smaller staircase to board Air Force One, the authors report. Biden’s team had insisted that he was up for a second term until his disastrous June 2024 debate performance against Donald Trump, which led to him dropping out of the race three weeks later. Aides began walking with Biden across the White House lawn to the Marine One helicopter not just to block the visual of his walk — but also in case he fell, according to Axios. Tapper and Thompson report that Biden began forgetting names, staring blankly at people he’d known for well over a decade, and became more disoriented and incoherent when he was fatigued. In response to the book’s reporting, a Biden spokesperson said in a statement to Axios that Biden’s “medical exam made clear that he had a stiffened gait caused, in part, by wear and tear to his spine — but that no special treatment was necessary and that it had not worsened.” “He was transparent about this, and it was far from ‘severe,’” the statement added. “Yes, there were physical changes as he got older, but evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity.” “And so far,” the statement continued, “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.” Biden and his wife Jill Biden defended his performance as president in a joint interview on ABC’s “The View” earlier this month, pushing back on suggestions he experienced cognitive decline in his final year in office. “The people who wrote those books were not in the White House with us, and they didn’t see how hard Joe worked every single day,” Jill Biden said.
New book: Biden aides discussed using a wheelchair in second term
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Aides Discussed Wheelchair Use for Biden Amid Health Concerns, New Book Reveals"
CNN
5.8
TruthLens AI Summary
According to a new book by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson, aides to former President Joe Biden discussed the possibility of him using a wheelchair during his second term due to significant concerns regarding his physical health. The book, titled "Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," is based on over 200 interviews, primarily with Democratic insiders, conducted after the 2024 election. The authors reveal that Biden's aides found the idea of him using a wheelchair politically unfeasible during his reelection campaign, even though they acknowledged that it might become necessary if he were to win a second term. Notably, Biden's physical decline was characterized by a noticeable alteration in his gait, prompting internal discussions about his mobility and the potential need for a wheelchair. Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden's personal physician, reportedly cautioned the president's team that a serious fall could necessitate the use of a wheelchair during recovery, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the election approached.
In an effort to manage Biden's public image and ensure his safety, his team implemented various strategies, including finding shorter walking routes and installing handrails in key areas. Aides accompanied him while walking to Marine One to prevent falls and to mitigate any adverse visual perceptions of his mobility. The book also notes troubling signs of cognitive decline, as Biden reportedly struggled with memory recall and coherence during moments of fatigue. In response to the book's claims, a Biden spokesperson emphasized that while Biden's gait had changed with age, it did not warrant special treatment and had not worsened significantly. The spokesperson asserted that there has been no evidence of Biden's cognitive decline affecting his presidential responsibilities, arguing that he remained an effective leader throughout his term. Jill Biden further defended her husband's performance in a recent interview, insisting that critics of the administration lacked firsthand knowledge of Biden's daily work ethic and capabilities.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent article discusses the physical deterioration of former President Joe Biden, revealing that aides contemplated the possibility of using a wheelchair during his potential second term. This revelation comes from a new book, which raises questions about Biden's fitness for office and the implications for his reelection campaign.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The intention behind this article appears to be to cast doubt on Biden's ability to effectively serve another term as president. By highlighting the discussions around his physical health, the article aims to create concern and skepticism among voters regarding his capacity to lead.
Public Perception and Implications
This news is likely to shape public perception by emphasizing Biden's age and health issues. As the 2024 election approaches, such narratives could sway undecided voters or reinforce existing concerns among opponents. The discussion of a wheelchair may evoke sympathy but also could be seen as a sign of vulnerability, influencing how he is viewed as a candidate.
What Might Be Hidden?
The focus on Biden's health might be a distraction from other pressing issues or controversies surrounding the administration. By concentrating on his physical state, there could be an attempt to divert attention from policy failures or political missteps that his administration has faced.
Manipulative Elements
The article could be viewed as manipulative due to its framing of Biden's health as a critical issue for his reelection. The language used may reinforce negative stereotypes about aging politicians, and the emphasis on potential wheelchair use serves to sensationalize his condition rather than provide a balanced view.
Truthfulness of the Claims
The claims presented in the article are based on interviews and insights from Democratic insiders, lending some credibility to the report. However, the narrative's focus on negative aspects may overshadow other relevant factors, raising questions about its overall fairness and balance.
Societal and Political Impact
This article could have significant ramifications for the political landscape, potentially influencing public opinion leading up to the elections. It may also affect Biden's campaign strategy as he navigates scrutiny over his health.
Target Audience
The content seems aimed primarily at individuals who are skeptical of Biden's leadership, particularly those concerned about his age and health. It may resonate more with political opponents and those in conservative circles, who may use this information to further their critiques of his presidency.
Market Reactions
While this article may not have an immediate impact on the stock market, it could influence investor sentiment regarding sectors linked to political stability. Companies and stocks closely related to governmental policies may experience fluctuations based on perceptions of Biden's viability as a candidate.
Global Context
In terms of global power dynamics, this news could have implications for how the United States is viewed internationally, particularly regarding leadership stability. The narrative surrounding Biden's health aligns with broader global conversations about aging leaders and their effectiveness.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is no direct evidence to suggest that artificial intelligence was employed in the writing of this article. However, it is possible that AI models were used in data analysis or in shaping narratives based on public sentiment, which could subtly influence the framing of the news.
In summary, the article raises serious questions about Biden's ability to lead effectively, potentially manipulating public perception and diverting attention from other issues. Its focus on health could serve to undermine his campaign as he seeks reelection.