Biden Admin Makes Some Changes Says Report
Just over a week ago, President Biden introduced a change to his White House departure and return routine. Instead of walking across the South Lawn to and from Marine One by himself, he's now often surrounded by aides. This change is seen by some as a possible attempt to draw less attention to the 81-year-old President's halting and stiff gait.
The change in Biden's walk routine was first noticed by White House staffers and reporters in mid-April, after more than three years of solo walks. Senior aides such as deputy chiefs of staff Bruce Reed and Annie Tomasini, as well as close adviser Mike Donilon, have been seen walking with the President across the lawn to and from the helicopter. This change in routine has caused some speculation among some of Biden's advisers, who have expressed concern that videos of him walking alone have highlighted his age.
HAPPENING NOW: President Biden leaves for a campaign event in Wilmington, Delaware.
He appears to use his aides and staffers as a shield to prevent him from answering any questions from the press.
I wanted to ask him when he will debate President Trump. pic.twitter.com/iEKrseDW3k
— MONICA PAIGE✰OANN (@MonicaPaigeTV) April 30, 2024
A White House official told Axios that weeks ago, the President had expressed his desire for a less formal approach and suggested that aides walk with him. Since then, he has been joined by staff or lawmakers nine out of ten times he has walked to and from Marine One. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates has downplayed the significance of aides partially obscuring cameras' view of Biden, stating that he is still fully visible except for a few seconds.
Biden's team has recently been focused on changing voters' perceptions about his age. The President has been talking about it more openly in public events and even released a campaign ad last month. He has also taken steps to prevent tripping, such as wearing shoes with extra support. His doctor has released more information about his health than former President Trump's team ever did, revealing that he suffers from "spinal arthritis" and "mild sensory peripheral neuropathy of the feet" which contribute to his stiff gait while walking.
REPORTER: "Are you ready to debate Trump now?"
BIDEN (surrounded by handlers): *shuffles inside* pic.twitter.com/UPgjXXMH6R
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 26, 2024
Despite the efforts to downplay his age, Biden resisted taking steps to account for it early in his presidency. However, it seems that he has shifted gears recently. In addition to different footwear, he now enters Air Force One on a lower level and continues to do physical therapy and stretching exercises most days.
Biden's health has also been brought into the spotlight as questions arise about his ability to handle the physical demands of the presidency. In addition to his mobility issues, he has also been criticized for his frequent memory lapses and verbal gaffes. However, his doctor has declared him "fit for duty" and has deemed him to be in good health overall.
The change in Biden's walk routine has sparked debate among the public and political circles. Some view it as a normal adjustment for a President in his eighties, while others see it as an attempt to hide his age and physical limitations. As the country gears up for midterm elections and a potential re-election campaign for President Biden, these issues are likely to continue to be a topic of discussion. Only time will tell if the President's walk routine will remain a contentious issue or if it will fade into the background as his policies and actions take center stage.