WSJ: How Biden's public appearances are carefully controlled Age is taking its toll

As President Joe Biden enters the final stretch of his presidency, the inner workings of the White House have evolved to accommodate his advanced age, with a system of insulation and control designed to manage his limitations.

Despite repeated denials from the administration about any decline in the president's health or abilities, reports and interviews show that his aides are increasingly taking on roles traditionally held by the president, Caliber.Az reports via The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The efforts to shield Biden from the pressures of his presidency became particularly noticeable after the 2020 election, when aides, eager to prevent any missteps, began modifying the structure of his schedule. One of the first signs of this shift appeared early in Biden’s term, when staff made a concerted effort to keep his meetings short and focused.

Long, rambling discussions were replaced with tightly scripted sessions, often later in the day to accommodate his energy levels. Biden, known for his candid and sometimes unfiltered speaking style, was frequently guided by aides through events and speeches to avoid potential public gaffes.

This careful orchestration extended to his interactions with the public. While Biden’s core group of loyal advisers, such as National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Senior Counsellor Steve Ricchetti, often served as go-betweens, Biden’s actual engagements with lawmakers, cabinet members, and other senior officials grew less frequent and more formulaic.

For example, powerful cabinet members like Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had limited one-on-one time with the president. These officials were often left to deal with senior advisers rather than directly with Biden himself.

The White House's protective strategy was especially prominent in the 2024 election campaign. As Biden faced increasing scrutiny over his age, the campaign staged events with pre-approved questions for the president, limiting the scope of impromptu interaction.

At some events, donors were given cards with the pre-set questions, and aides were always nearby to assist Biden, guiding him through even the simplest tasks like entering or exiting a stage. Despite the precautions, Biden still faltered at times, leaving some donors and aides alarmed at the public signs of his decline.

Biden’s re-election bid, which had already been under pressure following a lackluster performance in a June debate with Donald Trump, faced further challenges when he struggled to maintain focus and recall details in a crucial interview regarding the handling of classified documents.

His performance raised questions about his mental acuity, particularly as his polling numbers showed him trailing Trump in the upcoming race. Despite his team’s reassurances, insiders were concerned that Biden wasn’t receiving an unvarnished view of his standing in the race, as aides increasingly filtered information.

Further complicating the picture, some lawmakers felt that the White House’s strategy of keeping Biden insulated hindered his ability to connect with key stakeholders. For instance, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington struggled to secure a direct conversation with the president ahead of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, an event that ultimately ended in chaos and tragedy.

Other lawmakers, like Rep. Jim Himes, noted the absence of personal contact with Biden, which contrasted with their experiences during the Obama administration, when personal engagement with the president was more frequent.

Biden’s public image and stamina became increasingly difficult to maintain, as aides sought to limit his exposure to situations that might showcase his shortcomings. This carefully crafted shield allowed the president to pursue his policy agenda while staying insulated from scrutiny, but it also raised questions about the sustainability of his leadership, particularly as the nation faces growing challenges at home and abroad.

While the White House insists that Biden’s leadership and agenda remain firmly intact, the reality behind the scenes suggests a presidency that has been recalibrated to function around a diminished leader.

Whether Biden can regain his momentum in the face of mounting doubts about his fitness for office remains to be seen, but the strategies implemented by his staff underscore the delicate balance between safeguarding his legacy and confronting the unavoidable realities of ageing.

By Aghakazim Guliyev