A recently leaked document has revealed the extensive preparations White House staffers undertake to guide President Joe Biden during public appearances. The document, created with large, easy-to-read fonts and visual aids, offers a detailed map of Biden’s movements, from entering venues to walking to the podium.
The guide, obtained and released by Axios, shows step-by-step instructions for the president, illustrating where to stand and which paths to take during events. This meticulous level of detail has raised eyebrows among some political observers, especially considering Biden’s extensive experience in public office.
One of Biden’s event planning staffers remarked, “I staffed a simple fundraiser at a private residence, but they treated it like it was a NATO summit with his movements.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern about the president’s mental acuity and physical capability to handle the demands of his role.
White House officials, however, have downplayed the significance of the guide, stating that such detailed instructions are a standard practice for any modern presidential advance team. They argue that high levels of detail are necessary to ensure smooth and seamless public appearances. Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson, noted, “These are basic approaches that are used by any modern advance team, including the vice president’s office and agencies.”
Despite these reassurances, the leaked document has fueled discussions about Biden’s mental sharpness, particularly following several public gaffes. During the recent presidential debate against Donald Trump, Biden’s performance was widely criticized, with many pointing to his stumbling over words and appearing confused.
The scrutiny has intensified recently, with some Democratic lawmakers expressing concerns about Biden’s viability as a presidential candidate for the upcoming election. Speaking anonymously, a senior White House official shared that Biden has shown more signs of his age, including talking more slowly and appearing fatigued in private.
The leaked guide includes pictures labeled “Walk to the podium,” “View from the podium,” and “View from the audience,” suggesting a highly visual approach to navigating public events. This level of detail surprised some former aides who worked with Biden during his vice presidency, as they recalled his preparation documents being less detailed and more reliant on site diagrams.
One former aide remarked, “It surprised me that a seasoned political pro like the president would need detailed verbal and visual instructions on how to enter and exit a room.”
Republicans have seized upon the document as evidence of Biden’s declining mental faculties, using clips of his public stumbles to suggest he is not fit for office. However, Biden’s advisors maintain that he is in top physical and mental shape, capable of effectively serving another term until 2028.
Biden himself has addressed the speculation about his health and capability, stating in a letter to congressional Democrats, “Now that you have returned from the July 4 recess, I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump.”
