According to the Axios report, several current and former Biden administration officials have expressed mounting concerns about Joe Biden’s cognitive state. These aides have witnessed “flashes of an absent-minded Biden” and have grown increasingly worried about his ability to effectively carry out his presidential responsibilities over the next four years.
Debate Performance Sparks Deeper Concerns
The fallout from Biden’s lackluster performance in the recent presidential debate has further exacerbated these concerns among his own staff. Some aides were left “deeply shaken” by Biden’s apparent struggles, with freeze-ups, slurred words, and wide-eyed facial expressions leading to a widely perceived poor showing for the campaign.
The report from Axios has shed light on a particularly troubling aspect of Biden’s cognitive decline – the phenomenon of “sundowning.” This term refers to the increased confusion, disorientation, and cognitive impairment that often manifests in individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia during the evening and nighttime hours.
According to the Axios report, Biden’s aides have observed a pattern in his cognitive function, with Biden appearing “dependably engaged” during the daytime hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, outside of this window or when traveling abroad, Biden is “more likely to have verbal miscues and become fatigued.”
The timing of the presidential debate, which began at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, is particularly significant in light of the “sundowning” phenomenon. As the Alzheimer’s Association explains, increased confusion and cognitive decline during evening and nighttime hours is a common symptom of these degenerative conditions.
Concerns About Biden’s Ability to Serve a Full Term
Beyond the immediate political implications, the aides have expressed deeper worries about whether Biden can effectively fulfill his duties for the remainder of his term. The report notes that “the time of day is important as to which of the two Bidens will appear,” raising serious questions about the president’s long-term cognitive stability.
While some campaign aides projected a sense of calm and framed the debate performance as a mere “bad night” that could be recovered from, others were “deeply shaken” by the incident. The Biden team appears to be divided in their assessment of the situation and their strategies for addressing the president’s cognitive challenges.
Interestingly, the report reveals that Biden’s campaign aides were initially confident in his preparedness for the debate and believed he would perform well. Some of the “close-knit Biden aides who prepped him for the debate told confidantes they were optimistic beforehand, and that he’d done well in their practice sessions.”
Varying Opinions on the Extent of the Damage
The campaign appears to be grappling with differing opinions on the severity of the damage caused by Biden’s debate performance. While some elements remain confident that they can “turn the tide,” others are deeply concerned about the long-term implications of his cognitive decline.
The revelations about Biden’s potential “sundowning” condition have reignited the ongoing debate about his fitness for office, with Trump and other Republican figures quick to question his capabilities. This issue is likely to continue to be a point of contention and concern for voters as the administration navigates these challenges.
As the Biden administration confronts these alarming developments, the long-term consequences for his political future and the stability of the nation’s leadership cannot be ignored. The specter of cognitive decline in the highest office of the land raises profound questions about the future of American democracy and the ability of the government to effectively serve the needs of the people.
Leave a Comment