According to a Daily Mail report, Joe Biden required fluorescent tape on the floor to guide his movements during White House events, as his aides revealed he was "out of it" during his final period in office.
Several books scheduled for release in the coming months expose previously unknown details about Biden's declining health and the measures taken by his staff to conceal his condition. The revelations include accounts of Biden appearing confused during debate preparation, needing physical markers for navigation, and seeming to believe he was the president of NATO rather than the United States.
Biden's troubling debate preparation at Camp David
Ron Klain, Biden's former chief of staff, shared concerning details about the president's six-day debate preparation at Camp David. The preparation sessions revealed Biden's exhaustion and disconnection from American politics, with the president showing an unusual fixation on NATO affairs.
Klain told author Chris Whipple that Biden struggled with basic debate preparation tasks. During mock debates, the president appeared confused about Trump's positions and couldn't articulate his arguments about inflation or plans for a second term.
The preparation sessions were cut short multiple times due to Biden's fatigue and voice issues. During one session, Biden admitted being too tired to continue and requested rest, leading to concerns about his ability to handle the upcoming debate with Trump.
Staff efforts to manage Biden's declining condition
White House staff implemented various measures to assist Biden in navigating public appearances. Among these was the use of fluorescent tape on floors, which served as a trail of bright markings to guide the president's movements.
During a fundraiser at New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's house, Biden required both floor markers and a teleprompter to address a small gathering. Even with these aids, he struggled to stay on topic during his speech.
The books also reveal that Biden needed a makeup artist during foreign trips, not for television appearances but for meetings with other leaders. These details emerged as part of broader concerns about the president's fitness for office.
The aftermath leading to Biden's exit
The June 27th debate in Atlanta marked a turning point in public perception of Biden's capabilities. His performance, characterized by blank stares and confused responses, raised serious questions about his ability to continue serving as president.
While Biden's team initially attributed his poor debate performance to a cold, private concerns about his fitness for office grew among Democratic leaders. Some party members worried about the impact of his condition on down-ballot candidates.
The mounting pressure, including behind-the-scenes efforts by Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, ultimately led to Biden's withdrawal from the race on July 21. Despite some advisers, including Ron Klain, believing this decision was a mistake, Biden's exit paved the way for Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.
Final chapter of Biden's presidential journey
Joe Biden's presidency concluded amid growing concerns about his mental and physical health, with multiple books now revealing the extent of his decline. White House staff implemented various accommodations, including fluorescent floor markers and makeup artists, to help manage his public appearances. These revelations, along with his troubled debate performance against Donald Trump, ultimately contributed to his decision to step down from the presidential race, leading to Kamala Harris's nomination and subsequent loss to Trump.