Biden’s Decline: A Concern for Democrats
According to a new book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, President Joe Biden’s mental and physical capabilities had been diminishing for years, with many Democrats and White House aides expressing concerns about his ability to serve as President.
The book, "Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," details episode after episode where Democratic lawmakers, White House aides, members of Biden’s Cabinet, and Democratic donors were shocked at Biden’s deteriorating health. Despite these concerns, nearly all did not speak out publicly or try to stop him from running for re-election.
A Disturbing Pattern
Tapper and Thompson write that "what the world saw at his one and only 2024 debate was not an anomaly. It was not a cold; it was not someone who was underprepared or overprepared. It was not someone who was just a little tired. It was the natural result of an eighty-one-year-old man whose capabilities had been diminishing for years."
The authors cite multiple instances where Biden struggled to recall names of top aides, had an increasingly limited private schedule, and was prone to incoherence and losing his train of thought. In one instance, Biden could not remember the names of his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and communications director, Kate Bedingfield.
Concerns About Biden’s Health
The focus on Biden’s age and health has intensified in recent days, particularly after his office announced that he had been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Vice President JD Vance told reporters that he wishes Biden the best for his health but added that "we really do need to be honest about whether the former president was capable of doing the job."
A Protected President
Tapper and Thompson report that Biden was protected by an insular group, including his wife, his son, and a group of longtime aides nicknamed the "Politburo." Biden’s top aides, including Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti, and Bruce Reed, valued loyalty to the president, which led them to shield him from negative information.
A Distressing Debate Performance
After Biden’s disastrous June debate with Donald Trump, his closest aides tried to move past the debacle as though nothing happened. Despite this, Tapper and Thompson write that Biden aides who didn’t normally get access to him were disturbed at his deteriorating condition when he addressed a room of high schoolers later that night and gave a rambling speech.
Internal Doubts and Worries
The authors also detail that multiple lawmakers told them the Biden they saw reminded them of ailing parents and grandparents. Some members of Biden’s Cabinet told Tapper and Thompson they did not believe Biden could be relied upon to perform at 2 a.m. if there was a national emergency.
Schumer’s Concerns
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned Biden that he wouldn’t get more than five votes if there was a secret ballot of Senate Democrats on whether he should keep running. Schumer told Biden that he wasn’t "getting the information as to what the chances are" and spoke to Biden’s legacy.
Conclusion
The book by Tapper and Thompson paints a concerning picture of President Biden’s decline in health and mental capacity. While the President and his family have defended his performance, many Democrats and White House aides expressed concerns about his ability to serve as President. The book raises questions about the cover-up of Biden’s health issues and the implications for his re-election bid.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/politics/biden-book-original-sin-age
