This is stunning.
Since the moment Joe Biden took office, his handlers have gone to extraordinary lengths to shield the 82-year-old president from public scrutiny, particularly regarding his mental and physical well-being. As Biden’s cognitive decline became more apparent, the White House worked overtime to cover up his gaffes and manage his schedule to prevent embarrassing moments.
From the start of his presidency in January 2021, aides limited Biden’s public appearances, fearing that his age and frequent confusion would undermine his leadership. Meetings were often rescheduled to accommodate what was described as Biden’s “good days” and “bad days,” a practice that continued throughout his presidency. On days when the president appeared tired, forgetful, or faltering, his staff would adjust his agenda to limit his exposure. This included scheduling meetings later in the day when he was more alert, a strategy that became evident after Biden’s poor performance in debates against Donald Trump in 2020. It was reported that Biden could only function effectively for a limited time each day, typically only until 4 p.m.
Moreover, Biden’s interactions with his own Cabinet became increasingly rare. Key officials, such as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, reportedly found it difficult to meet with the president, with some even abandoning efforts to schedule discussions. On top of this, Biden’s team was known to filter out negative news reports from his daily briefing to protect him from public criticism. His approval ratings continued to slide, with his approval dropping to a historic low in 2024.
The White House went so far as to bring in a voice coach to address Biden’s increasingly hoarse and weak tone. Even during critical moments, such as his sit-down with special counsel Robert Hur regarding the handling of classified documents, Biden struggled to maintain focus. The grueling prep sessions for this interview, which stretched for hours each day, highlighted the president’s mental lapses and inconsistent energy levels.
Behind the scenes, Biden’s re-election campaign was similarly controlled. Donors and campaign staffers were alarmed by the level of control exerted over the candidate’s public image, with Biden being kept in the dark about his own polling numbers. His campaign was also concerned about the rising political star of his wife, Jill Biden, fearing she would outshine her husband.
Despite these efforts to manage his public image, Biden’s declining mental and physical health remains a significant concern. While his staff and defenders continue to insist that he is engaged and functioning, the reality is that his presidency has been marked by increasing secrecy and manipulation to keep him from the public eye. As the 2024 election looms, the question remains: Can a president who requires such extensive management continue to lead effectively?