As a recent report published by The Wall Street Journal has indicated, the aides of the White House did everything possible to manage President Joe Biden’s public appearances and workload since the start of his term. The team of 82-year-old President Biden reportedly changed his schedule so that it would fit with his energy levels and his interactions were limited in a way not to show him as being tired or even confused.
According to the report, aides started tailoring Biden’s engagements shortly after his January 2021 inauguration, prioritizing “good days” for major events. National security officials allegedly postponed meetings during periods of reduced cognitive performance, describing some days as “bad” and unsuitable for key discussions.
The daily schedule of the president, according to reports, had a structure that ended by 4 p.m., an arrangement he followed since the 2020 campaign. Moreover, aides avoided making him confront discouraging news reports or complex interactions that might get him off track.
However, the White House has also refuted claims of an alleged decline in mental acuity. In response to that, Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates said: “President Biden speaks daily with Cabinet members, and stays closely engaged in implementing the Administration’s key priorities and enhancing our national security.” Most administrations do this kind of thing,” Bates added, “but not for the reason it is doing it now as a signal of disengagement.”
Some notable accolades came from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. “He is one of the most accomplished presidents in history,” Raimondo said. “He’s been a steady hand through incredibly complex discussions.”.
The report again throws to the fore the issue of Biden’s age and his fitness for office as he seeks re-election. His critics have often branded him for holding few meetings in the Cabinet and, from time to time, blundering at public functions. His followers believe, however, that this is proof that he has been quite effective in his leadership regarding policy changes of a significant magnitude.
This controversy underlines the growing scrutiny around presidential health and age as Biden continues to face challenges in both governance and public perceptions.
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