Washington, D.C. — President Joe Biden’s aides have strongly denied claims from the upcoming book Original Sin that allege a deliberate cover-up of his declining physical health during the 2024 presidential election campaign.
The book, co-authored by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson, details Biden’s condition as deteriorating so much that aides discussed the possibility of using a wheelchair. Biden, who was 82 during the campaign, ended his re-election bid in July 2024 after a poor debate performance against Donald Trump.
White House aides have responded, saying that “evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity.” A spokesperson defended the former president’s record, claiming he was “a very effective president” despite the physical challenges described in the book.
Allegations in ‘Original Sin’
The book cites interviews with over 200 people, including former campaign insiders, suggesting Biden’s gait had become so halting that aides limited his walking distances, encouraged the use of handrails, and often opted for trainers instead of formal shoes. They allegedly considered the use of a wheelchair—an option delayed until after the election to avoid public fallout.
In one instance, Biden reportedly did not recognize actor George Clooney during a high-profile fundraiser. Clooney later published an op-ed urging Biden to drop out of the race. The book also claims Biden occasionally forgot the names of long-serving staff members, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and communications director Kate Bedingfield.Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump 2024 showdown
Aide Response and Rebuttal
In a statement, a Biden aide asserted that despite some physical limitations, the former president’s mental acuity remained intact. “We are still waiting for someone to identify a moment when Biden failed to act presidential due to cognitive decline,” the aide told Axios.
The spokesperson emphasized that Biden’s leadership helped pass key legislation and manage crises effectively during his term, underscoring his fitness for office at the time.
Trump’s victory in the 2024 election
Timing and Political Fallout
Biden’s delayed withdrawal from the 2024 race is still a topic of political debate. His late exit gave Vice President Kamala Harris just 107 days to mount a general election challenge. Harris ultimately lost to Donald Trump, who returned to the White House after his 2020 defeat.Joe Biden’s July 2024 withdrawal and its impact
In an interview last week with the BBC, Biden commented on the timing of his exit: “I don’t think it would have mattered” if he had dropped out earlier.
The revelations in Original Sin are likely to reignite discussions about the transparency of presidential health and campaign ethics. With its release set for May 20, the book could have lasting implications for the Democratic Party’s handling of the 2024 election.
