Revealed: Biden Aides Consider Wheelchair Support for Second Term – What It Means for His Presidency

Former President Joe Biden faced significant health challenges during the latter part of his presidency. A new book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson reveals that Biden’s aides even discussed the possibility of him using a wheelchair if he were to win a second term.

In "Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," the authors conducted over 200 interviews, mainly with Democratic insiders, to piece together this narrative. They note that Biden’s aides felt it would be politically unfeasible for him to use a wheelchair during a re-election campaign, yet they feared it might become necessary.

The book highlights Biden’s noticeable physical decline, particularly his unsteady walk. His personal doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, warned that a serious fall could lead to the need for a wheelchair, complicating his recovery. To manage this, Biden’s team took steps to mitigate risks, like choosing shorter paths for him to walk and installing handrails where needed.

Notably, aides began accompanying him during walks to block any negative public perception about his condition. This careful management came to light especially after a poor debate performance in June 2024, which ultimately led Biden to withdraw from his campaign a few weeks later.

As for his cognitive health, the book claims Biden showed signs of disorientation and forgetfulness. A spokesperson countered that while Biden’s gait had stiffened with age, he was still capable of performing his presidential duties effectively.

Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have defended his presidency, asserting that he worked hard every day and dismissed claims of cognitive decline. They cited his overall effectiveness during his time in office as contrary evidence to suggestions of deterioration.

Public reactions have varied, with some taking to social media to express concern for his health, while others maintain support, emphasizing his experience and accomplishments.

Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that health perceptions can impact electoral support. Voters often weigh a candidate’s health as a crucial factor in their decision-making. As such, Biden’s health remains a spotlight issue, influencing not only public opinion but also future electoral strategies.

For more in-depth coverage, you can read the full article from Axios.

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