President Joe Biden aides worried president would need wheelchair if re-elected, new book reveals

Former President Joe Biden’s aides were reportedly discussing the possibility of him needing to use a wheelchair if he were to be re-elected in the 2024 race. A new book titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again” authored by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson, reveals that Biden’s physical deterioration had become so severe that internal discussions were held about putting him in a wheelchair, although they couldn’t do so until after the election.

Concerns over Biden’s physical agility peaked in June 2023 when he tripped over a sandbag at the Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony. A White House official reassured the public that he was fine, attributing the fall to a sandbag on stage. Critics, however, viewed the incident as an example of elder abuse.

As the 2024 campaign cycle heated up, Biden’s aides took measures to ensure his safety, creating shorter walking paths for him, insisting on the use of handrails while walking on staircases, and encouraging him to wear sneakers. They also provided more guidance to help him navigate public appearances.

Biden’s mental acuity had been a subject of scrutiny since before the 2020 election, with concerns escalating in February 2024 when special counsel Robert Hur decided not to recommend criminal charges against Biden for mishandling classified documents, citing his poor memory.

In June 2024, Biden’s debate performance against then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was widely criticized, prompting calls for him to step down and pass the mantle to a younger generation of leaders. Biden eventually dropped out of the 2024 race in July, paving the way for former Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the nomination.

A spokesperson for Biden defended his physical changes, attributing his stiffened gait to wear and tear on his spine. They emphasized that no special treatment was necessary and that his condition had not worsened. The spokesperson also highlighted Biden’s effectiveness as a president, refuting claims of mental decline impacting his ability to lead.

The revelations in the upcoming book shed light on the internal concerns within the Biden administration regarding the president’s physical and mental health, raising questions about his ability to continue serving in office. As the 2024 election unfolded, Biden’s health became a focal point, ultimately leading to his decision to step aside and pass the torch to his successor.