Biden Aide Reports President's Decline Before Trump Debate

In a new book by Chris Whipple, former White House chief of staff Ron Klain provides a concerning account of President Joe Biden's mental and physical state leading up to his June 2024 debate against Donald Trump. Klain describes Biden as 'fatigued, befuddled, and disengaged,' noting that he seemed unaware of key campaign issues and fixated on his perceived approval from foreign leaders. During debate preparations, Biden left the session to sleep by the pool and suggested that looking perplexed during Trump's responses would make the latter appear foolish, to which Klain countered that this would not be perceived positively by voters. Ultimately, Klain viewed Biden's decision to withdraw from the race as a 'mistake' and an 'avoidable tragedy,' expressing deep concerns about the president's cognitive decline. The book paints a stark picture of a leader struggling to maintain command in a critical election period, with Klain remarking he had never seen Biden so exhausted. This account adds to the growing narrative around Biden's fitness for office as he contemplates his political future.