A new book by Alex Thompson and CNN’s Jake Tupper reveals that an aide to former President Joe Biden considered the possibility of using a wheelchair for him after the presidential election. Concerns about Biden’s fitness, particularly due to his age of 82 and worsening gait, sparked discussions among his staff about this option.
In their book, “Original Sin,” they cite primarily Democratic insiders as sources. It mentions that Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, also suggested the issue after Biden experienced a significant fall, tightening concerns within his team about potential future accidents.
One notable incident occurred in June 2023 when Biden fell into a dirt bag at the U.S. Air Force Academy, further heightening his team’s anxiety over his safety. Although Biden’s medical team has publicized that he is healthy, O’Connor reportedly urged aides to ensure he had more rest in a secure environment, suggesting a disparity between his health and the pressures he faced from staff.
Independent sources have pointed out a decline in Biden’s debate performances and his tendency to stumble through responses throughout his presidency. In the aftermath of the 2024 election, various books emerged, depicting Biden’s physical and cognitive state in a less than flattering light. One account noted that during preparations for a debate with Trump, Biden was said to struggle with concurrency and, at one point, even fell asleep by the pool.
A separate book mentioned that aides prepared for scenarios where Biden’s health might fail, or someone else would need to step into his role. Biden’s medical evaluations showed symptoms related to his spine but indicated no urgent treatment was necessary. His team has emphasized that although there are signs of aging, these should not undermine his competence or effectiveness as president.
