A new upcoming book by Axios’s Alex Thompson and CNN’s Jake Tapper titled *Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again*, set for release on May 20, delves into the challenges surrounding President Joe Biden’s mental acuity as early as 2023. Insights from aides reveal that his inner circle was aware of his declining capabilities and attempted to shield him from staff and outside scrutiny.
One former senior aide, who resigned in protest over Biden’s decision to run for reelection, expressed deep concern, saying, “We attempted to shield him from his own staff so many people didn’t realize the extent of the decline beginning in 2023.” The aide acknowledged Biden’s decency but criticized the choice of his family and advisers to allow him to continue his campaign.
The sentiments are echoed by a Democratic strategist who stated, “It was an abomination,” claiming Biden had essentially hijacked the party’s chances. Reports indicate that as early as 2022, Biden struggled with his speech and cognitive functions, prompting aides to take drastic measures. For example, during video addresses, they used multiple camera angles to mask his stumbles.
Prominent figures like former President Barack Obama and then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer raised alarms about Biden’s state. Obama reportedly advised him to ensure he could win the race, while Schumer warned that Biden’s hubris could tarnish his legacy. Meanwhile, David Plouffe, a key figure in Vice President Kamala Harris’s team, expressed frustration, attributing Harris’s challenging campaign to Biden’s insistence on staying in the race, claiming it started in a “deep hole.”
Despite the alarming feedback and deteriorating performance, Biden has publicly dismissed claims of mental decline when questioned, maintaining that there is no evidence supporting such allegations.
The discussions surrounding these revelations emphasize a broader concern within the Democratic Party as the 2024 elections approach, highlighting a struggle not only for Biden’s leadership but also for the party’s future direction. There remains hope that with open and honest dialogues about leadership capabilities, the Democratic Party can navigate these challenges together and refocus on their core values and the needs of the electorate.