Biden Administration Denies Claims of Health Cover-Up in Controversial New Book

As a gripping new book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson emerges, former President Biden's team refutes assertions of health-related cover-ups during his failed 2024 campaign, countering with a strong defense of his capabilities.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden's inner circle is pushing back against a newly published book that claims his administration hid critical details about his health during his unsuccessful re-election campaign. The book, titled "Original Sin," raises alarming assertions about Biden's physical health, indicating that aides considered the possibility of using a wheelchair due to his deteriorating condition throughout the 2024 presidential election.

In response to the book, which is set to release on May 20, a Biden spokesperson emphasized that "evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity," insisting that the octogenarian president has been "a very effective president." The accusations come after Biden's abrupt withdrawal from the race in July, which followed a problematic debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump.

Party insiders pointed fingers at Biden for leaving the contest too late, with Vice-President Kamala Harris given merely 107 days to prepare for her campaign against Trump, who prevailed decisively. Biden himself commented last week in an interview with the BBC that withdrawing earlier "wouldn't have mattered."

"Original Sin" cites numerous anonymous sources and interviews conducted with over 200 individuals. One notable quote came from David Plouffe, a former strategist for Harris's campaign, who expressed frustration, stating, "We got so screwed by Biden as a party." The authors assert that Biden's declining health had become so pronounced that his team deliberated on the need for a wheelchair, delaying such measures until after the election.

Biden's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, reportedly indicated that in the event of another significant fall, using a wheelchair might become a necessity for a difficult recovery.

The book highlights several incidents illustrating alleged confusion and forgetfulness, such as Biden failing to recognize actor George Clooney at a high-profile fundraiser and struggling to recall the names of key aides.

While aides had previously attributed Biden's atypical gait to a fractured foot, a recent statement emphasized that any physical changes merely reflect aging and do not indicate a decline in mental faculties. "We are still waiting for someone, anyone, to point out where Joe Biden had to make a presidential decision or make a presidential address where he was unable to do his job because of mental decline," the spokesperson declared, reinforcing faith in Biden's capabilities and effectiveness as president.