Former Biden Chief of Staff Reveals Concerns from Clinton and Sullivan About Biden’s Diminishing Support to Congressional Staffers

Former President Joe Biden’s mental fitness came under scrutiny from his inner circle. Ron Klain, Biden’s former chief of staff, shared concerns from key figures, including Hillary Clinton and Jake Sullivan. They questioned Biden’s ability to succeed politically, particularly due to his age.

In discussions in 2023, Klain noted that Clinton believed the campaign struggled with the age issue. Sullivan echoed this after Biden’s less-than-stellar performance in a CNN debate in June 2024, suggesting that Biden was losing support.

Klain did believe Biden had the mental sharpness to lead but admitted he noticed a decrease in energy and memory. According to sources, Biden sometimes mixed up names and appeared tired before the debate.

Interestingly, as the scrutiny intensified, the fallout from the debate led to Biden stepping down from the race. This allowed then-Vice President Kamala Harris to take the Democratic nomination, with Clinton openly supporting her.

Recent reports paint a concerning picture of Biden’s cognitive health during the later years of his presidency. A book called Original Sin by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson describes moments where Biden struggled to remember key aides and had difficulty maintaining a coherent thought process. Many in his party were alarmed by these signs of decline but remained silent, fearing the repercussions of another Trump presidency.

This concern around Biden’s age and fitness for office reflects a broader trend. A recent poll from Gallup found that 61% of Americans believe that age is a significant issue for older politicians. This sentiment isn’t limited to Biden; multiple older leaders face similar skepticism from the public.

Experts suggest that mental fitness is critical for any leader, especially in high-stakes environments like the presidency. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a well-known neurosurgeon, pointed out that mental agility often declines with age, and leaders must address this candidly. He emphasized the need for transparency in discussing the capabilities of leaders, especially as they age.

As Biden navigates these challenges, both his supporters and critics are watching closely, weighing his age against his experience. The political landscape continues to evolve, but the implications of age in leadership will remain a hot topic.

For further insights, you can read more on CNN’s coverage of political health issues here.

Source link

Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Jake Sullivan, Ron Klain, White House, House Homeland Security Subcommittee, House Oversight Committee, White House chief of staff, mental fitness