Biden White House Accused of Concealing President's Limitations for Years

Axios reporter Alex Thompson claims the White House has repeatedly denied and downplayed Biden's age-related difficulties, which were glaringly evident in Thursday's debate.

Axios' Alex Thompson has ignited controversy by alleging that the Biden White House has engaged in a years-long campaign of deception, hiding the president's cognitive limitations from the media and even themselves. Thompson's accusations, made during an appearance on CNN, stem from Biden's widely criticized performance in Thursday's presidential debate.

According to Thompson, the White House has consistently deflected questions about Biden's age and ability, resorting to "gaslighting" and "not telling the truth." He points to Biden's limited media appearances and restricted schedule as evidence of the White House's efforts to shield him from scrutiny.

Biden White House Accused of Concealing President's Limitations for Years

"There's a reason why he has not done as many interviews or press conferences as any president in decades," Thompson said. "There's a reason he does not do events almost ever before 10:00 A.M. and is rarely on camera after 6 P.M., and the reason is because he has limitations."

Thompson's accusations have resonated with other journalists who have criticized the Biden White House's handling of press access and transparency. Many have pointed to the relatively small number of formal press conferences and interviews Biden has granted during his presidency.

Biden White House Accused of Concealing President's Limitations for Years

In the wake of Thursday's debate, some Democrats have expressed concerns about Biden's age and cognitive abilities. Thompson's comments have added fuel to those fears, suggesting that the White House has been complicit in obscuring the president's limitations.

The White House has not yet responded to Thompson's allegations. However, Biden's performance in the debate has sparked a renewed debate about his fitness for office. Some observers believe that the debate highlighted Biden's declining cognitive abilities, while others maintain that he is capable of serving as president.

Biden White House Accused of Concealing President's Limitations for Years

The controversy surrounding Biden's age and health is likely to continue in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Thompson's accusations have cast a shadow over the White House's credibility and raised questions about Biden's ability to carry out the duties of the presidency.

In a related piece for Axios, Thompson and Hans Nichols described the debate as a "DEFCON 1" moment for Democrats. They argued that Biden's performance confirmed voter concerns about his age and raised questions about his ability to serve a second term.

"Voters, Democrats very much included, have consistently worried that 81-year-old Joe Biden is too old for the job," they wrote. "Last night, Biden showed why."