CNN’s Jake Tapper stated on Tuesday that both the White House and Democrats have been misleading about former President Joe Biden’s health leading up to the 2024 election.
According to an excerpt from a new book titled “Original Sin,” Biden’s health reportedly worsened significantly during his term, leading his aides to consider using a wheelchair. Tapper emphasized that it’s evident, based on discussions with various Democrats, that those in power attempted to conceal Biden’s declining physical state.
“The White House was not being truthful with its own cabinet, the press, and the public,” Tapper noted. He suggested that there would be no honesty from them about these matters until after the election, after which more revelations are expected.
Tapper, alongside reporter Thompson, mentioned that Biden’s personal doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, had warned the team about the potential need for a wheelchair if Biden continued to experience falls in 2023 or 2024. His aides, however, believed that such a move would be politically damaging as the election approached.
O’Connor had reportedly expressed concerns regarding the physical strain the presidency was placing on the 81-year-old Biden, advocating for more rest within his schedule.
Reports indicate that Biden is dealing with severe spinal degeneration, leading to noticeable weakness. During a debate against Donald Trump on June 27, he seemed confused at times, prompting calls from Democrats to address his health openly.
The White House maintained that Biden just had a “bad night” during the debate and insisted they were “transparent” about his health. Two aides even informed NBC News that he was dealing with a cold midway through the discussion.
Following Biden’s stumble in June 2023, his team grew increasingly cautious, opting for shorter routes while walking, using handrails on stairs, and ensuring he wore sneakers before the 2024 election. His aides attributed his uneven walking to a leg injury from November 2020, although O’Connor confirmed that the injury had completely healed.
Tapper had previously defended Biden from critics regarding his health. He also referenced a moment when Lara Trump commented on Biden’s visible decline, echoing similar concerns raised by other Democrats.
Thompson criticized the Biden administration for downplaying the former president’s mental decline and condemned the media for not addressing the issue.
