New Book Claims White House Officials Secretly Discussed Biden’s Physical Decline, Potential Wheelchair Use

A new book is poised to ignite a political firestorm with its explosive allegations regarding President Joe Biden’s physical health and the White House’s purported efforts to downplay concerns. "Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," co-authored by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, but excerpts have already begun circulating and causing significant controversy.

One particularly jarring revelation is the claim that internal discussions took place among White House officials regarding the possibility of President Biden using a wheelchair following the 2024 election. The excerpt suggests that Biden’s physical deterioration, most notably his visibly altered gait, had become so pronounced that the prospect of wheelchair use was considered behind closed doors. The book alleges that the implementation of such a measure was deliberately delayed until after the election.

This claim directly contradicts the public narrative consistently presented by White House officials, including then-press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who routinely dismissed questions and concerns about President Biden’s age and stamina. The book paints a picture of a stark disconnect between the private anxieties within the White House and the public assurances conveyed to the American people.

The article references a specific instance in 2022 when Jean-Pierre was questioned by then-CNN host Don Lemon about President Biden’s ability to continue serving beyond 2024. Jean-Pierre’s reaction was described as visibly stunned, and she responded with nervous laughter and stammering. She dismissed the question as inappropriate and insisted that President Biden’s work ethic and accomplishments spoke for themselves.

Lemon defended his line of questioning, arguing that the public had a right to know about the health and both the physical and mental history of their president. He pointed out that the media had previously scrutinized the mental capacity of other presidential candidates, such as Donald Trump, and that it was the duty of journalists to ask such questions, even if they were uncomfortable.

Lemon went on to suggest it was his job as a journalist to ask and he was not as sharp as he used to be. The job of President of the United States is a tough job. He ended with "Im sure hes up to the job, but it is my job as a journalist to ask."

The book’s allegations, if substantiated, could have significant political repercussions, particularly as President Biden seeks re-election in 2024. Concerns about his age and fitness for office have been a persistent theme throughout his presidency, and these claims are likely to amplify those anxieties among voters.

The article further points out that Jean-Pierre continued to defend President Biden’s age and health throughout her tenure as press secretary, often responding to questions about his well-being with laughter. This perceived dismissiveness, coupled with the book’s revelations, could further erode public trust in the White House’s transparency regarding the president’s health.

Axios reporter, Alex Thompson, who co-authored the new book, pushes back on Biden’s denial of mental decline, saying White House insiders disagree.

In response to the emerging controversy, a Biden spokesperson issued a statement to Fox News Digital, asserting that the White House had not reviewed or fact-checked the book prior to its release. The spokesperson maintained that President Biden had been an effective leader, challenging critics to provide evidence of instances where his health had hindered his ability to make presidential decisions or address national security threats.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the White House’s position that President Biden had served effectively.

The timing of the book’s release is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with increased scrutiny of President Biden’s public appearances and his interactions with world leaders. Opponents have seized upon instances of perceived gaffes or moments of physical instability to question his fitness for office.

The book also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of White House officials and the extent to which they are obligated to disclose information about the president’s health to the public. While concerns about privacy and confidentiality are legitimate, the book’s allegations suggest a pattern of deliberate obfuscation that could be seen as a disservice to the electorate.

The book’s claims will likely fuel further debate about the role of age in presidential leadership and the standards to which candidates and incumbents should be held regarding their physical and mental health.

As the book becomes available to the public, it is expected to generate a wave of media coverage and political commentary. The extent to which its claims are supported by evidence and corroborated by other sources will ultimately determine its long-term impact on President Biden’s presidency and his re-election prospects.

The controversy surrounding "Original Sin" also underscores the challenges faced by journalists covering the health of high-profile political figures. Balancing the public’s right to know with the need to respect privacy and avoid sensationalism requires careful judgment and a commitment to accuracy.

The furor surrounding "Original Sin" is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon, and its implications for President Biden and the upcoming election cycle are significant. The allegations of a White House cover-up and the consideration of wheelchair use are deeply concerning and warrant thorough investigation and public discussion. The book serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government, particularly when it comes to matters of presidential health. The controversy will only continue to grow as the election draws closer, because President Biden is running for re-election.