The Wall Street Journal recently published a report detailing attempts by the White House to conceal President Joe Biden's deteriorating mental faculties during his tenure. This series of strategic measures was set in motion to mask his apparent mental decline from the public eye.
The report outlines how the administration managed Biden's public engagements and internal interactions to minimize exposure of his mental struggles, Mail Online reported.
Starting from the onset of Biden's presidency in 2021, there were rumors and concerns regarding his mental health. Such worries arose even before he officially took office, stemming from observable changes in his public demeanor and speaking engagements during the campaign trail.
As per the Wall Street Journal, among the initial steps taken to manage the situation were the employment of a vocal coach to help Biden with public speaking and reducing his workload on days he was not performing well. These efforts were aimed at maintaining a stable public appearance.
Bruce Reed, Steve Ricchetti, and Mike Donilon, senior members of Biden's team, reportedly assumed significant control over his schedule and access to him. Their role became central to orchestrating his public and private engagements, effectively shaping the presidency's external interactions.
Biden's appearances during public events and brief interactions were carefully managed by his staff. For instance, he was often provided with instruction cards indicating basic actions such as where to walk or sit during events, which were essential to guiding his conduct in public.
In preparation for crucial interviews and meetings, Biden faced difficulties with recalling lines and maintaining a strong presence, which the Wall Street Journal highlighted. On occasions, he was unable to repeat lines fed to him by his team during rehearsals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House took additional steps to protect Biden, not only for health reasons but also to avoid any public gaffes that could expose his mental lapses. This precaution added another layer of isolation from direct media exposure and public questioning.
Democratic Congressman Adam Smith tried to contact Biden before the controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan, exposing problems in communicating with the president. This incident underscored Biden's restricted accessibility, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken reprimanded Smith after he publicly voiced concerns following a tragic incident involving U.S. service members.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration selectively omitted negative news from Biden's briefing materials to maintain a controlled narrative during press engagements.
Biden's rumored incapabilities became physically evident after his debate performance against Donald Trump in June 2024. His lackluster showing sparked widespread discussion within the Democratic Party, leading to a consensus that he should not seek re-election.
After the debate, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. However, she failed in her campaign against Trump, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the strategies Biden's administration employed throughout his term.
In response to these revelations, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates defended Biden’s capabilities, stating, "He has 'earned the most accomplished record of any modern commander in chief and rebuilt the middle class because of his attention to policy details that impact millions of lives.'"
Special Counsel Robert Hur suggested that even if prosecutors considered legal charges against Biden, a jury would likely view him as a "sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory." His comment highlights the complex perceptions surrounding Biden's presidency, both legally and in public opinion.
These developments have spotlighted how significantly Biden's closest advisers influenced his presidency, often overshadowing his role and drawing comparisons to the vigor Jill Biden displayed during similar engagements.
A Democratic strategist emphasized to DailyMail.com that people "who are not external facing" concentrated this influence, suggesting a tightly controlled and insular approach to managing Biden’s presidential duties.
This bombshell report has renewed debates on the transparency and management of the highest office in the land. It underscores how officials balance public perception with the private realities of presidential health and capability.
