Ex-Biden Aide Says Former President Was ‘Fatigued, Befuddled, and Disengaged’ Prior to June Debate

In a stunning revelation, a former top aide to President Joe Biden has disclosed that the commander-in-chief appeared “fatigued, befuddled, and disengaged” in the weeks leading up to his pivotal June 2024 debate. The account, which paints a picture of an overburdened leader struggling to stay sharp under immense pressure, has reignited debates about Biden’s age and fitness for office.

Behind the Scenes: A Struggling President

The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, detailed how Biden’s schedule had become grueling in the months prior to the debate. Multiple overseas trips, an escalating foreign crisis, and an intense legislative agenda had stretched the president thin.

“By the time June rolled around, he was exhausted,” the former aide said. “He was constantly being briefed on national security, the economy, and diplomatic tensions. There was little time left for rigorous debate prep, and it showed.”

During internal meetings, Biden allegedly appeared disengaged, often asking for reminders about topics he had previously been briefed on. While some aides chalked this up to the sheer volume of information he was handling, others saw it as a worrying sign of cognitive decline.

Debate Preparation: A Last-Minute Effort

In the run-up to the June debate, Biden’s team made a concerted effort to prepare him for the high-stakes event. Mock debates were arranged, and policy briefings were condensed into digestible summaries. However, according to the former aide, Biden sometimes struggled to maintain focus.

“He would get frustrated easily if he felt overwhelmed with information,” the aide said. “We tried to make it as simple as possible, but there were moments when he seemed lost in the details.”

Despite these challenges, Biden’s inner circle remained confident. Some advisors believed that his extensive experience in debates would carry him through. Others counted on his opponent’s polarizing reputation to soften any missteps Biden might make.

The Night of the Debate: A Lackluster Performance

When the debate finally took place, Biden’s delivery was less than stellar. Observers noted his hesitant speech, occasional lapses in memory, and an overall lack of energy compared to his opponent.

Political analysts were quick to point out that Biden’s struggle to articulate clear responses hurt his standing among undecided voters. While his supporters dismissed these issues as the natural strain of a busy presidency, critics pounced on them as evidence that he was unfit for a second term.

“It was clear that something was off,” said one Democratic strategist. “He lacked the sharpness and authority we’ve seen from him in the past. It raised serious concerns within the party.”

Behind Closed Doors: Fallout Among Aides

In the days following the debate, tensions ran high within Biden’s team. Senior staff members reportedly convened emergency meetings to assess what went wrong and determine how to counteract the growing narrative of Biden’s decline.

Internally, blame was placed on an overly demanding schedule and insufficient preparation time. Some aides pushed for a more structured daily routine that would allow Biden to rest and regain his energy before major events. Others questioned whether it was wise to shield him from more aggressive public engagements in the lead-up to the election.

“There was a realization that we needed to change course,” the former aide revealed. “The debate exposed vulnerabilities that couldn’t be ignored anymore.”

Party Concerns and Public Reactions

The Democratic Party, already wary of Biden’s approval ratings, found itself in damage-control mode. Prominent figures within the party quietly discussed whether the president’s debate performance would affect his ability to win re-election. Some even floated the idea of replacing him as the Democratic nominee—a prospect that gained traction among nervous donors and strategists.

However, Biden’s inner circle remained steadfast in their support, arguing that one debate performance should not define his entire presidency.

“He’s been a resilient leader through some of the toughest challenges this country has faced,” said one senior White House official. “The idea that he suddenly isn’t capable of leading is absurd.”

Still, public reaction to the debate was mixed. While loyal Biden supporters pointed to his track record and policies, independents and swing voters expressed doubt about his ability to serve another four years. Polling in the aftermath of the debate showed a slight dip in his approval ratings, further complicating the Democratic Party’s electoral strategy.

A Lingering Question: Biden’s Fitness for Office

The revelation from Biden’s former aide adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about presidential age and fitness. At 81 years old during the debate, Biden was already the oldest sitting U.S. president in history. His health and cognitive sharpness had been frequent targets of speculation from both political opponents and media outlets.

Even among his supporters, there was an acknowledgment that Biden needed to be more strategic in managing his workload to avoid similar instances in the future. Calls for more transparency regarding his health also grew louder, with some urging the White House to release additional medical reports to reassure the public.

Looking Ahead: A Tough Road to Re-Election

With the election looming, Biden and his team are now focused on ensuring that any lingering doubts about his fitness are put to rest. Efforts are being made to improve his public appearances, refine his messaging, and ensure that he is well-rested before major events.

Meanwhile, Republicans have seized on the debate narrative, using it to further their argument that Biden is no longer capable of leading the country effectively. Attack ads highlighting his faltering debate performance have flooded social media, and conservative commentators continue to question whether he should remain in the race.

For Biden, the challenge now is not just about winning re-election—it’s about proving to the American public that he still has the energy, clarity, and leadership skills necessary to continue leading the country.

As the campaign season intensifies, all eyes will be on how he handles future public appearances. Will he be able to overcome the skepticism and convince voters that he remains the right choice for America’s future? Or will the concerns raised by his former aide continue to haunt his re-election bid?

One thing is certain: the road ahead will be anything but easy.