During Joe Biden’s presidency, many Americans observed moments where he seemed unsteady, both in movement and in managing speech often reliant on teleprompters. It was clear to almost everyone that his mental fitness for the role was questionable. Despite this obvious decline, various institutions—including Congress, the media, and even his own administration—worked to downplay or mask these concerns for four years.
After his notable debate performance against Donald Trump in the 2024 election, some Democrats began to look away, perhaps hoping the issue would resolve itself. But now, a shift is occurring as discussions around Biden’s condition gain traction on social media and in the news.
A few months post-election, Democrats are starting to acknowledge that Biden may not be as spry as he presented himself. This revelation aligns with the upcoming book “Original Sin,” co-written by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, which casts a spotlight on Biden’s deterioration during his presidency and campaign. Interestingly, Tapper had previously been part of efforts to obscure these issues.
With this newfound openness, Democrats are actively sharing opinions and stories about Biden’s health. Recently, Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut weighed in, stating there’s “no doubt” about Biden’s cognitive decline. Murphy, who previously defended Biden’s suitability, is now part of the conversation shifting narratives.
Similarly, Representative Ro Khanna from California has faced a change in perspective. He articulated that Democrats should not have permitted Biden to run again in 2024, especially considering the health concerns that have come to light since the election. He mentioned that if there was any uncertainty about Biden’s capabilities before, his debate performance made it painfully clear.
Not so long ago, Khanna was defending Biden vigorously. He even drew comparisons to the movie character Rocky Balboa, claiming that, like Rocky, Biden’s character mattered more than eloquence.
Some lawmakers previously involved in defending Biden are now looking for ways out of this situation. Even Pete Buttigieg, the former Transportation Secretary, suggested that perhaps Biden should never have run for re-election, indicating a degree of negligence in his self-assessment.
As Democrats grapple with these admissions, the implications of Biden’s condition continue to unfold in real time.
