Calls for Democrats to Reassess Biden’s Cognitive Health

Alex Thompson, a national political correspondent for Axios, is urging Democrats to rethink their stance on former President Joe Biden’s cognitive health. During a CNN appearance alongside Jake Tupper, Thompson discussed insights from Biden’s new book, *Original Sin*, which delves into concerns over his mental and physical decline.

Thompson mentioned that several Democrats who once defended Biden have now expressed doubts about him seeking another term. While some are openly acknowledging his cognitive issues, others remain hesitant to clarify their stance regarding continued support for the former president. “Numerous Democrats now admit that Joe Biden shouldn’t run again, recognizing his cognitive decline,” he noted. “There’s plenty of footage and social media posts that illustrate how he’s managing the job, or not managing it, which is certainly critical.” He added that the push for reelection doesn’t seem confined to just 2024, implying it could stretch even further.

Tupper, reflecting on the situation, pointed out that David Pruf, once part of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, faces the challenge of convincing voters that they are simply misinterpreting what they’re observing. Many Congressional Democrats and former aides to the Biden administration are reportedly reluctant to speak out against him, as highlighted by both Thompson and Tupper.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, during another CNN segment, was pressed about Biden’s perceived decline. Rather than address the issue directly, he emphasized that Democrats are focused on countering former President Donald Trump’s agenda.

Similarly, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, when asked by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday, claimed to be optimistic but dodged questions regarding any noticeable changes in Biden’s cognitive abilities observed during their interactions.

Biden’s team, including close family members and aides, are reportedly working to shield him from scrutiny concerning his mental state as he gears up for reelection. There have been claims that following a cabinet meeting in late 2023, Biden had gone months without proper engagement with his cabinet, raising concerns about his leadership.

After Biden’s performance in a contentious June 2024 debate against Trump, voices within the Democratic Party began to call on him to withdraw from the race, questioning his ability to secure a win in the upcoming election. The White House attempted to downplay his performance, attributing it to fatigue and illness.

Furthermore, Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, cautioned his aides in 2023 that should Biden suffer another fall, he might require a wheelchair, which could be politically damaging. In light of this, efforts have been made to ensure Biden’s stability during public appearances.

In addition to these concerns, Biden has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. Oncologists suggest that he may have been dealing with the effects of this illness while in office.