Insights from a New Book on Biden’s Cognitive Tests

A recently released book has brought to light that former President Joe Biden’s team decided against having him take a cognitive test in February 2024. This decision came from discussions among his aides who had considered administering tests to address growing concerns about his age. Their belief, it seems, was that Biden would easily pass.

Interestingly, Biden’s long-time physician, Kevin O’Connor, reassured aides that he wouldn’t factor the president’s political standing into his medical evaluations. This reference was made in a report from The Times.

The book “2024: Trump Takes the White House and Democrats Lost America,” co-authored by New York Times reporter Tyler Paiger, Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dorsey, and Washington Post reporter Isaac Earnsdorf, explores the chaotic nature of the 2024 presidential race.

In February 2024, discussions around whether Biden should take the cognitive test intensified, occurring just months before his debate with Donald Trump and shortly before a White House health examination. Additionally, during the same month, there was a report concerning misleading allegations about documents associated with Robert Herr’s former presidency. The special advisor described Biden as “an older man with sympathy and good intentions who has bad memory.”

The Times also highlighted conversations from the new book featuring former Chief of Staff Ron Crane and frequent CNN commentator David Axelrod. Axelrod remarked that the reality was more concerning than publicly acknowledged, suggesting that Biden’s age might be more of a hindrance than it appeared.

Crane, apparently frustrated, called Axelrod to express his disbelief at the doubts surrounding Biden as he prepared for his reelection campaign.

In another intriguing revelation, the book notes that Nancy Pelosi advised Biden against engaging in a political feud with Trump, likely out of concern for his ego.

Crane was depicted in another book discussing the 2024 campaign as describing Biden as “fatigued, confused, and released” ahead of the June debate. After finishing his duties at the White House, Crane assisted Biden in preparing for this debate.

The author Chris Whipple recounted his first encounter with Biden, noting the president’s apparent exhaustion. It left Crane surprised that Biden seemed out of touch with his own campaign. At one point, Biden excused himself only to later be seen relaxing by the pool.

As the narrative unfolds, it’s clear the complexities and pressures of the campaign weighed heavily on Biden’s team, leaving unanswered questions about the president’s readiness and mental acuity as the election loomed.