Facing the Consequences: How Team Biden Ignored Warning Signs of Decline Until It Was Too Late

Joe Biden’s 2020 victory was seen as a mandate, but many now view it differently. By June 2024, after a dismal debate against Donald Trump, it became clear to many voters that Biden should not have run for re-election. Not long after, he stepped aside, allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to step in. Meanwhile, Trump’s influence grew, and Biden faced harsh criticism even amid sympathy for his health struggles.

Prominent Democratic strategist David Plouffe didn’t hold back, stating, “It was an abomination… He stole an election from the Democratic party; he stole it from the American people.” This sentiment was echoed in the book Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, which is packed with insights gathered from around 200 interviews, including congressional members and White House aides.

Many in Biden’s inner circle expressed concerns about his mental sharpness. They were worried about attempts to hide his decline. Tapper, CNN’s chief Washington correspondent, and Thompson, an Axios political correspondent, highlighted that “every White House, regardless of party, is capable of deception.”

The book opens with an explosive quote from Plouffe: “We got so screwed by Biden as a party.” While speaking about the challenges of the campaign, he acknowledged that many in the party felt betrayed by Biden’s leadership.

Biden’s decision-making during his term has drawn scrutiny. Some believed he was unfit for emergency situations, which are crucial for any president. A senior White House aide even resigned over concerns, stating it was wrong for Biden’s family and team to let him run again.

The narrative around Biden’s health wasn’t new. Signs of his decline appeared years earlier. During a demanding bus tour in Iowa in December 2019, he struggled to remember the name of a longtime aide.

This week, more troubling health news surfaced—Biden is reportedly battling metastatic prostate cancer. Dr. Zeke Emanuel stated that Biden likely had this condition for some time, possibly since he took office in 2021.

As Democrats move forward, they face significant challenges. A strong disapproval of Trump may help the party regain the House, but to win back the White House, they must effectively confront their internal issues.

Overall, the party’s future looks uncertain, especially as Biden’s era leaves a complicated legacy. As we witness these developments, it’s evident that age and health are crucial factors in leadership today. The recent discourse reminds us that American politics is no place for aging leaders.

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