Concerns over former President Joe Biden's political future gripped key Democratic figures long before his exit from the 2024 presidential race.
According to CNN, former chief of staff Ron Klain's testimony to the House Oversight Committee unveiled doubts from Hillary Clinton and Jake Sullivan about Biden's viability as a candidate, culminating in intensified scrutiny after a faltering debate performance in June 2024 that led to his withdrawal.
Ron Klain, who served as Biden’s White House chief of staff during the first two years of his presidency, provided critical insights during a recent session with congressional staffers. His testimony, part of a GOP-led House Oversight Committee probe into Biden’s mental fitness, shed light on early apprehensions within Democratic circles. Klain revealed that as far back as 2023, prominent figures were questioning Biden’s ability to navigate political challenges.
According to Klain, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed unease in 2023 about the handling of Biden’s age as a campaign issue. Clinton, who was not part of Biden’s administration, reportedly felt the campaign was struggling to address public concerns effectively. A spokesperson for Clinton confirmed Klain’s account, emphasizing her focus was on the political management of age-related criticisms.
Additionally, Klain shared that Jake Sullivan, the former National Security Adviser, voiced worries about Biden’s diminishing support base in 2024. However, Sullivan’s representative, Adrienne Watson, clarified that no discussions about Biden’s candidacy occurred with Klain prior to a pivotal moment later that year. Watson told CNN, “Jake did not have a conversation with Ron about Joe Biden running for president before the debate.”
The turning point came in June 2024, when Biden’s performance at the CNN Presidential Debate drew widespread criticism. Klain noted that Biden appeared exhausted and unwell leading up to the event, often mixing up names and struggling with clarity. After the debate, Sullivan reportedly told Klain that Biden’s support was slipping significantly among voters.
The debate fallout amplified long-standing questions about Biden’s age and mental sharpness during his time in office. Klain himself acknowledged Biden’s reduced energy and occasional forgetfulness, though he maintained Biden was capable of leading the nation. He also pointed out that he did not view age as a barrier for other candidates, such as Donald Trump, in the same race.
Further details emerged from a book titled “Original Sin” by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, highlighting private concerns during Biden’s final years as president. The book described moments where Biden struggled to recall the names of key aides and frequently lost his train of thought. It also noted a restricted private schedule, suggesting efforts to limit public exposure of his challenges.
According to the book, many Democratic lawmakers, White House staff, Cabinet members, and donors were privately alarmed by Biden’s condition. Despite their shock at his apparent decline during the reelection campaign, most refrained from raising public objections. The authors critiqued this silence, suggesting it stemmed from fears of another Trump presidency outweighing immediate concerns.
The book “Original Sin” offered a stark assessment of the motivations behind Biden’s continued candidacy. It stated, “Biden, his family, and his team let their self-interest and fear of another Trump term justify an attempt to put an at times addled old man in the Oval Office for four more years.” This perspective underscored the internal conflicts within Democratic ranks as Biden pressed forward with his bid.
The House Oversight Committee has pushed for deeper insights, requesting interviews with former White House aides and Biden’s physician. However, the physician declined to respond to inquiries earlier this month, leaving some questions unanswered. The investigation continues to explore the full scope of Biden’s condition during his presidency.
Ultimately, the mounting pressure and public scrutiny following the June 2024 debate led Biden to step aside from the presidential race. Then-Vice President Kamala Harris swiftly assumed the Democratic nomination, gaining immediate backing from figures like Hillary Clinton. Clinton was among several high-profile Democrats who rallied behind Harris as the party’s new standard-bearer.
In the months after the 2024 election, additional reports surfaced about the extent of Biden’s physical and mental challenges. These accounts painted a picture of a leader whose struggles were increasingly evident to those around him. The revelations have fueled ongoing debates about transparency and accountability within political leadership.
Biden’s presidency, marked by both achievements and personal challenges, has left a complex legacy for Democrats to navigate. The concerns raised by figures like Clinton and Sullivan, as detailed by Klain, highlight the delicate balance of political strategy and personal capability. As the party moves forward, these events may shape how future candidates address issues of age and fitness for office.