**This article discusses the backlash from Biden's aides regarding a book that claims his physical deterioration was a significant issue during his campaign for re-election.**
**Biden's Aides Defend Him Against New Book's Claims of Physical Decline**
**Biden's Aides Defend Him Against New Book's Claims of Physical Decline**
**The upcoming book "Original Sin" raises concerns over Biden's health during his presidential campaign. His team strongly refutes these allegations, asserting his effectiveness in office.**
Former President Joe Biden's aides are pushing back against a new book that alleges his White House team covered up his "physical deterioration" during the tumultuous re-election campaign. The book, titled "Original Sin," presents claims that Biden, at 82, faced considerable health challenges, leading to discussions among his aides regarding the need for a wheelchair. A Biden spokesperson countered the book's assertions, emphasizing, "Evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity" and underscoring that Biden has been an "effective president."
Scheduled for release on May 20, "Original Sin" is authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson from Axios. It notes Biden's abrupt exit from the 2024 race in July following a troubling debate against Donald Trump. Biden's departure left Vice President Kamala Harris with only 107 days to prepare for her own challenge against Trump. In a recent interview with the BBC, Biden stated that he believed it would not have impacted the outcome had he withdrawn earlier.
Citing mostly anonymous sources from interviews with over 200 individuals, the book references quotes from David Plouffe, who was involved with Harris's campaign, expressing frustration at Biden's handling of the situation. Plouffe was directly quoted saying, "We got so screwed by Biden as a party." Additionally, the authors describe how Biden's deteriorating physical state was evident, particularly in his unsteady gait, prompting internal discussions about potentially requiring a wheelchair should his condition worsen.
Biden’s aides had consistently attributed changes in his mobility to a foot fracture he sustained in November 2020, along with his reluctance to wear the prescribed surgical boot. An anonymous Biden aide remarked, “Yes, there were physical changes as he got older, but aging does not equate to mental incapacity.” They also insisted no instances exist where Biden failed to perform his presidential duties due to mental decline, asserting he has effectively managed his responsibilities.
The book hints at alarming incidents, such as Biden reportedly failing to recognize actor George Clooney during a fundraiser, leading to concerns about his awareness and memory. Clooney, once a significant supporter, later penned an opinion piece urging Biden to step back from the race. The book also mentions Biden's struggle to recall the names of key aides, including seasoned advisors Mike Donilon, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and communications director Kate Bedingfield.
Scheduled for release on May 20, "Original Sin" is authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson from Axios. It notes Biden's abrupt exit from the 2024 race in July following a troubling debate against Donald Trump. Biden's departure left Vice President Kamala Harris with only 107 days to prepare for her own challenge against Trump. In a recent interview with the BBC, Biden stated that he believed it would not have impacted the outcome had he withdrawn earlier.
Citing mostly anonymous sources from interviews with over 200 individuals, the book references quotes from David Plouffe, who was involved with Harris's campaign, expressing frustration at Biden's handling of the situation. Plouffe was directly quoted saying, "We got so screwed by Biden as a party." Additionally, the authors describe how Biden's deteriorating physical state was evident, particularly in his unsteady gait, prompting internal discussions about potentially requiring a wheelchair should his condition worsen.
Biden’s aides had consistently attributed changes in his mobility to a foot fracture he sustained in November 2020, along with his reluctance to wear the prescribed surgical boot. An anonymous Biden aide remarked, “Yes, there were physical changes as he got older, but aging does not equate to mental incapacity.” They also insisted no instances exist where Biden failed to perform his presidential duties due to mental decline, asserting he has effectively managed his responsibilities.
The book hints at alarming incidents, such as Biden reportedly failing to recognize actor George Clooney during a fundraiser, leading to concerns about his awareness and memory. Clooney, once a significant supporter, later penned an opinion piece urging Biden to step back from the race. The book also mentions Biden's struggle to recall the names of key aides, including seasoned advisors Mike Donilon, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and communications director Kate Bedingfield.
