A new book reveals that President Joe Biden’s top advisers privately discussed using a wheelchair if he won a second term. His health, both physical and mental, was worse than the public knew. The book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, was written by Jake Tapper of CNN and Alex Thompson of Axios.
According to the authors, President Biden’s spine had worsened so much that one more fall could have forced him into a wheelchair. White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor warned staff about the serious risk. But advisers pushed off the idea of using a wheelchair until after the election.
The authors say the White House tried to hide how bad Biden’s condition really was. From 2023 to 2024, his walking became slower and more unsteady. To hide this, aides would walk close to him. This blocked public view and helped him if he stumbled. His team even made changes to his routes and shoes. He started wearing tennis shoes and using shorter steps.
Jake Tapper, speaking on CNN, said the White House did not only keep the truth from the public and press. It also kept details from its own staff, cabinet members, and Democratic donors. “They were lying to everybody,” he said.
The reporters began writing the book after the 2024 election. They spoke with over 200 people, most of whom were Democrats. Many did not share full details until after Election Day. After the election, more sources opened up. Many felt regret that Biden ran again despite signs of serious health issues.
Alex Thompson, co-author of the book, said Biden’s advisers feared that he would fall again. That concern led to many small but clear efforts to protect him. They used shorter walkways, added more handrails, and shortened his walking routes. These moves were meant to reduce the risk of injury.
They also feared that even without a fall, Biden might still end up in a wheelchair because of his spine issues. Still, they decided to keep this hidden from voters.
The White House responded to the claims in the book. A spokesperson said, “Yes, there were physical changes as he got older. But evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity.”
However, the book’s authors say many of their sources disagreed. Thompson stated, “A lot of people behind the scenes do not agree with that statement.” He added that future chapters of the book will share more on Biden’s mental health as well.
Dr. O’Connor, Biden’s doctor, would often joke that political aides were trying to “kill” Biden with how much they worked him. The doctor, in contrast, said he was trying to keep the president alive.
Biden was asked about the book during a recent visit to The View. Host Alyssa Farah Griffin brought up the claims. Biden said, “They are all wrong. There’s nothing to support that.”
Still, the authors stand by their work. “We spoke with over 200 people,” said Thompson. “Almost all after the election. Almost all were Democrats. They now feel that Biden’s decision to run again may have led to Trump’s win.”
Original Sin will be released on May 20. It promises more details about what was happening behind the scenes in the final years of Biden’s presidency.
