Former President Joe Biden’s team opted against a cognitive test in February 2024, fearing it could spark inquiries about his age, as explained in a book by Tyler Pager, Josh Dawsey and Isaac Arnsdorf. The aides believed the former president would pass the test but continued to debate whether it would enhance voters’ perceptions of his mental acuity.
Ron Klain, former chief of staff, expressed concerns about the president‘s fatigue and disengagement before the June 2024 debate against Trump, emphasizing the internal worries among Biden’s staff.
The book reveals that the topic of Biden’s mental abilities significantly influenced his decision to run again in the 2024 elections.