Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer repeatedly dodged questions Tuesday about his knowledge of Joe Biden’s health decline before the former president’s disastrous June 2024 debate performance that ultimately led to him dropping his reelection bid.
During a pointed exchange with CNN’s Kasie Hunt, Schumer was pressed about a February 2024 White House meeting where he had “up close and personal” interaction with Biden, months before the debate that sparked widespread concerns about Biden’s fitness for office.
“Did you really not have any idea that he was not fit to serve a second term?” Hunt asked Schumer directly.
Schumer deflected, responding only that Democrats are “looking forward” rather than addressing the question about Biden’s condition.
The interview comes as new details emerge from an upcoming book titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again” by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson, set for release later this month.
The book reportedly contains revelations about extensive efforts by Biden’s inner circle to conceal his deteriorating physical and cognitive condition from the American public during his final years in office.
Hunt referenced the book during her interview, noting it accuses the White House of covering up Biden’s declining health before the fateful debate with President Donald Trump. The performance prompted immediate public concern about Biden’s capabilities, eventually leading top Democrats to pressure him to abandon his reelection campaign less than a month later.
According to excerpts from the book, Biden confused at least two officials and failed to recognize actor George Clooney at a June 2024 fundraiser in California. In one particularly troubling episode, Biden appeared disoriented at the fundraising event.
Even more concerning, the book alleges there were internal discussions among White House staff about possibly “putting” Biden in a wheelchair if he won a second term.
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod described the revelations in the book as “somewhat stunning” and indicative of serious problems within Biden’s circle of advisers, the Democratic Party, and Biden’s family.
Axelrod questioned Biden’s decision to seek reelection at 81 years old, saying it would have been difficult to make the case that he should remain president for four more years.
The book further details concerns from Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, who reportedly worried about the impact of the presidency on Biden’s health. O’Connor advocated for additional rest in Biden’s schedule and allegedly told staff members they were “trying to kill him” while he was “trying to keep him alive.”
One of the most significant medical issues discussed in the book involves Biden’s spine. According to the authors, White House aides were deeply concerned about the degeneration of Biden’s spine, which reportedly contributed to his increasingly stiff gait and mobility challenges.
A spokesperson for Biden has disputed these claims, acknowledging Biden’s medical exam showed a stiffened gait due to spinal wear and tear but maintaining no special treatment was necessary and his condition had not worsened during his time in office.
Hunt pressed Schumer on reports that he and other Democratic leaders – including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, former President Barack Obama, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California – were discussing a “plan” regarding Biden even before the debate performance. Schumer denied these conversations took place.
“We have the largest Medicaid cut in front of us, we have the whole federal government at risk,” Schumer stated, attempting to shift the conversation to current legislative priorities.
Hunt countered that Democrats face these challenges precisely because they lost the presidential election, asking if that wasn’t ultimately Biden’s responsibility for choosing to run again.
Schumer again refused to engage with the question, repeating only that Democrats are “looking forward.”
“That’s it?” Hunt asked.
“That’s it,” Schumer confirmed.
The book and Schumer’s evasive responses highlight the ongoing political fallout from Biden’s failed reelection bid. After initially rallying behind the Biden-Harris ticket following the debate, Schumer reportedly visited Biden at his Delaware vacation home in July 2024, urging him not to continue his campaign as concerns about his health mounted among Democratic leadership.
Biden ultimately bowed to pressure and withdrew from the race on July 21, 2024, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Harris went on to lose the general election to Donald Trump, who was inaugurated for his second term as president on January 20, 2025.
