The health and declining public visibility of President Joe Biden have sparked debate following his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
Concerns about President Biden's health and decision to exit the 2024 race have surfaced from insiders as the nation faces numerous crises and his public schedule dwindles, as the Daily Caller reports.
White House aides are reportedly worried about the president's capacity to fulfill his duties amid escalating pressures. Since his announcement on July 21 to step back from campaigning, Biden's public appearances have significantly declined, with a notable absence of scheduled engagements on 43 out of 75 days.
Andrew Bates, a senior adviser, insists that being president involves more than just public visibility. Bates underscores the strategic timing of public engagements, aligning them with peak viewership hours such as before the national evening news to maximize reach. Despite reduced public exposure, Biden continues to achieve significant outcomes behind closed doors, as he manages to carry out his duties with unwavering diligence.
Biden's schedule since the end of his campaign includes only two events organized before 11 a.m. and a total of five that occurred past 5 p.m. This reduced public itinerary has led to speculation, particularly after political commentator Alyssa Farah asked the president about external influences such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
However, Biden maintains that there was never strong opposition to his candidacy within political circles. He dismisses rumors of being pressured to step down by stating that his decision was driven by his own contemplation and decision-making, aimed at promoting political unity.
Further fueling the discourse is the country's struggles with several current crises. Hurricane Helene has left a path of destruction with over 215 fatalities, while Iran's missile launch against Israel escalates regional instability after targeted assassinations of Iranian-backed officials.
The economic toll of these disasters is exacerbated by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas's admission that FEMA’s funds are insufficient to face current hurricane challenges. At the same time, Biden remains concerned about Israel’s possible plans to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities, showcasing his preference for diplomatic solutions over aggressive actions.
As Biden endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for the White House, his limited campaign presence with her has raised eyebrows. The same can be said for first lady Jill Biden, whose campaign involvement has also been minimal. Instead, she is focusing on official duties, notably leading the U.S. delegation to Mexico’s presidential inauguration.
Biden’s choice to withdraw from the 2024 race was shared via Twitter during his summer COVID-19 quarantine in Delaware. Reflecting on his decision, Biden has stated that it was a matter of thoughtfully paving the way for emerging candidates rather than succumbing to political pressure.
Throughout media engagements, Biden emphasizes his confidence in securing a win against former President Donald Trump, no matter his decision to step down. The choice, as he explained, was about fostering togetherness in the political landscape.
With aides expressing concerns over Biden's susceptibility to fatigue, the president's condensed timetable now includes conversations with world leaders only between late morning and early evening. Reports indicate that verbal errors and diminished energy become more pronounced outside of these hours.
Biden’s leadership is scrutinized as aides voice their worries about the strains of his role in conjunction with personal stresses, including family legal entanglements. However, he remains resolute, attempting to assure the citizenry that his health and reasons for his campaign exit support his vision for unity and continued service to the nation.
