Context:

A new book reveals that aides of former President Joe Biden were concerned about his physical health, particularly his ability to walk without assistance, with internal discussions suggesting he might need a wheelchair if re-elected. The book, authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson, highlights Biden's physical decline, notably his halting walk, and the pressures surrounding the 2024 presidential race. Concerns about Biden's mental acuity were also prevalent, especially after a debate performance against Donald Trump and an investigation into his handling of classified documents. These concerns eventually led to Biden withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race in July, paving the way for Kamala Harris to assume the candidacy. Despite criticisms, a spokesperson defended Biden's capabilities, attributing his stiffened gait to spinal wear and tear rather than mental incapacity, asserting that he remained an effective president during his tenure.

Dive Deeper:

• The book 'Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again' claims aides feared that President Biden's physical deterioration might necessitate the use of a wheelchair if he were re-elected. His physical decline was most evident in his increasingly halting walk, leading to internal discussions about his mobility.

• Authored by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, the book is part of a wave of political literature scrutinizing the 2024 presidential election, with particular focus on Biden's age and mental acuity, which became a point of contention both publicly and within his party.

• Biden's physical struggles were highlighted in incidents such as his fall during the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony in June 2023, which exacerbated public concerns about his agility and overall health, prompting aides to modify his public appearances to minimize physical exertion.

• The book also details how Biden's mental acuity was under scrutiny, with a special counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents concluding without charges but labeling him as a well-intentioned yet forgetful elderly man, further fueling debates about his capacity to lead.

• Amid mounting pressures and a perceived failure during a debate against Donald Trump, Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, enabling Kamala Harris to step in as the Democratic candidate just over 100 days before the election, which was ultimately won by Trump and his running mate JD Vance.

• A spokesperson for Biden defended his presidency, attributing any physical changes to aging rather than cognitive decline, and emphasized that despite criticisms, Biden remained a competent leader throughout his presidency.

• The book's revelations add to the narrative of a contentious 2024 election cycle, where Biden's health and age were pivotal issues, influencing his decision to step aside and reshaping the Democratic Party's strategy heading into the elections.