Biden Aides Respond to Claims of Physical Decline in New Book

A new book suggests that Joe Biden's physical health was significantly deteriorating during his 2024 re-election campaign, with aides allegedly discussing options like using a wheelchair. Biden's team firmly counters these claims, asserting that physical changes due to aging do not equate to mental incapacity, and maintain that he performed effectively as president.

Joe Biden's team has issued a strong rebuttal against claims made in an upcoming book suggesting that White House aides concealed significant physical declines in the president during his unsuccessful re-election campaign. The book titled *Original Sin*, authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios's Alex Thompson, asserts that Biden's condition raised sufficient concern among his close advisors to prompt conversations about the possible need for a wheelchair.

Spokespeople for Biden, 82, defended the president's competence, stating that "evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity." They emphasize that Biden remains an effective leader, despite his age-related physical changes. The book is set for release on May 20, and while it is largely based on anonymous interviews with over 200 sources, it includes direct quotes from prominent figures such as David Plouffe, a strategist who has worked with Vice President Kamala Harris.

According to Plouffe, frustrations arose within the party due to Biden's delays in withdrawing from the race, leading to a limited timeframe for Harris to prepare for her campaign against Donald Trump. Biden made a sudden exit from the race in July after an underwhelming debate performance.

In comments made prior to the book's release, Biden asserted in an interview with the BBC that an earlier withdrawal would not have altered the outcome. The authors of *Original Sin* detail Biden's mobility struggles, highlighting aides' concerns over his ability to walk unassisted and suggesting those worries influenced travel logistics and public appearances.

Previously, Biden's aides attributed his altered walking gait to a 2020 foot fracture, dismissing any insinuation of neurological decline. An anonymous source from Biden's circle reiterated that no evidence has surfaced indicating the president was unable to perform when required.

The book narrates an incident where Biden supposedly failed to recognize actor George Clooney during a fundraiser, leading to Clooney's public withdrawal of support thereafter. Furthermore, the authors claim Biden neglected to remember names of key aides, amplifying concerns regarding his cognitive health. Such accounts have fueled discussions about the viability of leadership given age, particularly in the demanding arena of U.S. politics. Despite this, Biden's aides remain steadfast in their assertion of his capability as president amidst these allegations.