A new book reveals that Biden’s health sparked concerns about his physical deterioration during his re-election campaign.
A startling new book reveals that President Joe Biden’s aides privately discussed whether he might need a wheelchair if re-elected in 2024.
These conversations took place behind closed doors.
They reflect growing concerns about Biden’s physical decline.
The discussions also raise serious questions about his ability to serve a second term.
Aides feared Biden’s condition could worsen
In Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, authors Alex Thompson and Jake Tapper expose the internal deliberations that occurred within Biden’s circle.
The book revealed that Biden’s physical deterioration sparked concerns about his ability to lead the U.S.
According to the book, Biden’s halting walk had become so pronounced that aides considered using a wheelchair — but only after the election.
“Biden’s physical deterioration — most apparent in his halting walk — had become so severe that there were internal discussions about putting the president in a wheelchair, but they couldn’t do so until after the election,” read an except from Original Sin.
Physician Kevin O’Connor, according to the book, warned that a bad fall could require a wheelchair for recovery.
Additionally, he also clashed with White House aides.
He urged more rest time in Biden’s schedule to protect his stamina and reduce visible fatigue.
“Given Biden’s age, [his physician Kevin O’Connor] also privately said that if he had another bad fall, a wheelchair might be necessary for what could be a difficult recovery,” Thompson and Tapper wrote.
Biden’s daily capacity was limited to only six hours of effectiveness
The book notes that Biden had only a small daily window — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — where he functioned effectively.
Outside those hours, fatigue set in quickly. Verbal miscues and confusion became more frequent and harder to hide.
Despite these issues, the administration maintained a public image of a capable leader, denying any health-related cover-up.
However, the book notes that Biden would not be the first U.S. president to rely on a wheelchair.
Previously, Franklin D. Roosevelt, paralyzed by polio, used one throughout his presidency.
However, he kept it hideen from the public.
FDR’s paralysis from polio was carefully managed. Biden’s team reportedly considered similar concealment strategies regarding any mobility assistance.
Biden’s aides were reportedly reluctant to allow such a visual symbol of weakness, especially during a campaign cycle filled with concerns over his age and mental sharpness.
The White House confirmed that Biden is in good health
Book claims Biden allies downplayed health concerns while facing internal and public pressure.
Despite growing evidence, Biden’s team publicly denied any cover-up about his condition.
A Biden spokesperson rejected the book’s assertions. They said that aging does not equal mental declne or incapacity to serve.
They explained: “Yes, there were physical changes as he got older, but evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity.”
They argued there was no evidence that Biden failed in his presidential duties or struggled with major decision.
“And so far, 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. In fact, the evidence points to the opposite — he was a very effective president.” They added].
Poor polling and public anxiety about Biden’s stumbles and gaffes worsened after a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27, 2024.
The performance sparked further concerns about his fitness for office. Less than a month later, Biden made a surprising move. On July 21, he withdrew from the race and endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris.