**A new book claims President Biden’s aides concealed his declining health, alleging attempts to put him in a wheelchair during his re-election bid. Biden's representatives vehemently deny these assertions, affirming his effectiveness as president.**
**Biden Team Responds to Allegations of Health Cover-Up in New Book**
**Biden Team Responds to Allegations of Health Cover-Up in New Book**
**Aides refute claims about the president's physical condition during 2024 campaign.**
In the wake of controversial claims made in the upcoming book "Original Sin," aides for President Joe Biden have firmly defended his health and capabilities during his unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign. The book, authored by CNN's Jake Tapper alongside Alex Thompson from Axios, suggests that Biden's physical state had deteriorated significantly, prompting internal discussions about the necessity of a wheelchair during his campaign activities.
Biden, now 82, abruptly ended his re-election bid last summer after a poorly received debate against Donald Trump. Some Democratic insiders argued that his decision to stay in the race until then severely undermined Vice-President Kamala Harris's chances, as she was left only 107 days to prepare for a national contest against Trump, who ultimately won.
Ahead of the book's anticipated release on May 20, Biden conducted his first interview after leaving the White House with the BBC, expressing doubt that an earlier withdrawal would have changed the election outcome. While much of the book references anonymous sources who spoke with over 200 individuals, it does include a notable quoted commentary by David Plouffe, who suggested that Biden's actions negatively impacted the Democratic party.
The authors of "Original Sin" assert that Biden's noticeable physical decline—evident in his slow, unsteady walk—led to conversations about using a wheelchair prior to the election. Inadequate management of his health led advisers to recommend minimizing his walking distances, using handrails, and opting for athletic shoes to prevent falls. Despite previous explanations attributing his altered gait to a past foot injury, Biden's aides are pushing back against the book's portrayal.
In a statement released through Axios, a Biden aide expressed that while physical changes are a natural part of aging, they do not equate to mental decline or incapacity. The spokesperson emphasized that evidence of Biden's decision-making capabilities during his presidency contradicts the claims presented in the book. They also challenged critics to identify any instance where Biden’s alleged mental decline impacted his ability to perform presidential duties.
"The truth is that Biden was an effective president," the aide contended. The narrative also contains notable anecdotes, including an embarrassing moment at a lavish fundraiser hosted by actor George Clooney, where Biden failed to recognize the star, raising questions about his awareness and cognitive state. This incident reportedly led to Clooney re-evaluating his support for Biden's campaign.
The book's release sets the stage for a contentious dialogue about the health and leadership of Biden, further igniting discussions as the nation faces a divisive political landscape ahead of the next elections.
Biden, now 82, abruptly ended his re-election bid last summer after a poorly received debate against Donald Trump. Some Democratic insiders argued that his decision to stay in the race until then severely undermined Vice-President Kamala Harris's chances, as she was left only 107 days to prepare for a national contest against Trump, who ultimately won.
Ahead of the book's anticipated release on May 20, Biden conducted his first interview after leaving the White House with the BBC, expressing doubt that an earlier withdrawal would have changed the election outcome. While much of the book references anonymous sources who spoke with over 200 individuals, it does include a notable quoted commentary by David Plouffe, who suggested that Biden's actions negatively impacted the Democratic party.
The authors of "Original Sin" assert that Biden's noticeable physical decline—evident in his slow, unsteady walk—led to conversations about using a wheelchair prior to the election. Inadequate management of his health led advisers to recommend minimizing his walking distances, using handrails, and opting for athletic shoes to prevent falls. Despite previous explanations attributing his altered gait to a past foot injury, Biden's aides are pushing back against the book's portrayal.
In a statement released through Axios, a Biden aide expressed that while physical changes are a natural part of aging, they do not equate to mental decline or incapacity. The spokesperson emphasized that evidence of Biden's decision-making capabilities during his presidency contradicts the claims presented in the book. They also challenged critics to identify any instance where Biden’s alleged mental decline impacted his ability to perform presidential duties.
"The truth is that Biden was an effective president," the aide contended. The narrative also contains notable anecdotes, including an embarrassing moment at a lavish fundraiser hosted by actor George Clooney, where Biden failed to recognize the star, raising questions about his awareness and cognitive state. This incident reportedly led to Clooney re-evaluating his support for Biden's campaign.
The book's release sets the stage for a contentious dialogue about the health and leadership of Biden, further igniting discussions as the nation faces a divisive political landscape ahead of the next elections.
