President Joe Biden's cognitive decline became a central focus of public scrutiny following a pivotal debate with Donald Trump in June 2024.
According to The Western Journal, a Wall Street Journal exposé published on Thursday unveiled how Biden's inner circle orchestrated an extensive operation to conceal his deteriorating mental condition from the American public since the 2020 presidential campaign.
The Wall Street Journal's investigation revealed that Biden's team implemented strict protocols to manage his public appearances and interactions. His wife, Jill Biden's heightened presence during the 2020 campaign events raised concerns, with her press secretary being discouraged from highlighting her increased visibility compared to her husband's limited appearances.
Senior White House advisers created a protective barrier around Biden, often acting as his representatives in crucial meetings with lawmakers and cabinet members. This arrangement significantly impacted major policy decisions, including the controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Representative Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington state who chaired the House Armed Services Committee, attempted to warn about the risks of a hasty Afghanistan withdrawal. Despite his efforts to secure a meeting with Biden before the pullout, Smith was unable to reach the president directly.
The situation became particularly concerning when a former official revealed the daily challenges of managing Biden's schedule. According to the source, meetings would be rescheduled based on Biden's cognitive state on any given day.
The carefully maintained facade began to crumble during the June 27 debate with Donald Trump. A particularly notable moment occurred when Trump remarked about Biden's verbal confusion.
As stated by Trump during the debate:
I really don't know what he said at the end of that sentence; I don't think he knows what he said either.
This debate performance proved to be a decisive moment for Biden's political future. The public display of cognitive difficulties made it impossible for his team to continue downplaying concerns about his mental acuity.
The mounting pressure following the debate ultimately led to Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race on July 21. His departure paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to assume the Democratic nomination, though she would later face defeat in a shortened campaign against Trump.
The revelations about Biden's condition gained additional significance following Special Counsel Robert Hur's assessment. Hur had declined to pursue charges against Biden for mishandling classified documents, characterizing him as an "elderly man with a poor memory" who likely committed the offense.
Questions remain about the extent of Biden's involvement in critical government decisions during his presidency. The Wall Street Journal's report has sparked renewed debate about transparency in government and the role of presidential advisers in decision-making processes.
The Wall Street Journal's exposé revealed an extensive effort by Biden's inner circle to shield his declining cognitive state from public view, starting from the 2020 presidential campaign through his presidency. This concealment strategy ultimately unraveled following the June 2024 debate with Donald Trump, leading to Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race.
