Fact Check: Donors Feel Misled About Biden's Cognitive Decline During His Presidential Campaign
What We Know
The claim that donors feel misled about President Biden's cognitive decline during his presidential campaign has emerged from various sources, including a book titled Original Sin by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios's Alex Thompson. This book alleges that Biden's aides were aware of his deteriorating physical and cognitive condition and discussed measures such as using a wheelchair to manage his public appearances (source-2). The book cites anonymous sources but also includes statements from individuals like David Plouffe, who expressed frustration over Biden's impact on the Democratic Party's electoral strategy.
Moreover, a memorandum from the Trump administration suggests that Biden's aides may have used an autopen to sign documents, implying a lack of transparency regarding his cognitive abilities (source-1). This document raises concerns about the legality of executive actions taken during Biden's presidency, alleging that his aides conspired to conceal his mental state from the public.
Biden's spokesperson has countered these claims, asserting that evidence of aging does not equate to mental incapacity and emphasizing Biden's effectiveness as president (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding this claim is complex and multifaceted. The book Original Sin relies heavily on anonymous sources, which can raise questions about the reliability of the information presented. While it does include some on-the-record quotes, the reliance on anonymity makes it difficult to assess the credibility of the claims made about Biden's cognitive state and the alleged cover-up by his aides.
The memorandum from the Trump administration presents a serious allegation regarding the use of an autopen, which, if true, could suggest a significant breach of protocol and transparency. However, the context in which this memorandum was released—during a politically charged environment—may also introduce bias into its claims. The assertion that Biden's aides actively concealed his cognitive decline requires substantial evidence to be fully validated, as it implies a coordinated effort to mislead the public.
Furthermore, Biden's aides have publicly defended him, stating that while he has experienced physical changes due to aging, these do not indicate a decline in cognitive ability. They argue that Biden has effectively managed his presidential duties, countering the narrative of a significant cognitive decline (source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that donors feel misled about Biden's cognitive decline during his presidential campaign is Partially True. There is evidence suggesting that there were discussions among aides regarding Biden's physical and cognitive state, as highlighted in Original Sin. However, the reliance on anonymous sources and the political context of the claims necessitate a cautious interpretation. While there are legitimate concerns raised about transparency and the management of Biden's public image, the definitive assertion that donors were misled lacks comprehensive evidence to fully substantiate it.
