Former Chief of Staff Breaks Down Biden’s Unraveling Before Trump Debate

WASHINGTON — In a forthcoming book, Chris Whipple provides startling insights into Joe Biden‘s mental and physical state before his pivotal debate with Donald Trump, a moment that significantly impacted the trajectory of his 2024 campaign. Whipple details the observations of Ron Klain, Biden’s former White House chief of staff, who described the president as ‘fatigued, befuddled, and disengaged’ during preparation sessions.

According to excerpts obtained by The Guardian, Klain expressed astonishment at Biden’s condition, noting that the 81-year-old president seemed ‘out of it’ and was unaware of the challenges within his own campaign. Klain recalls a critical strategy session at Aspen Lodge, where Biden abruptly excused himself to sit by the pool after struggling to engage with the discussion.

Klain’s reflections shed light on Biden’s concerning fixation with foreign leaders rather than domestic political dynamics. ‘He thought that being a great foreign policy president was enough,’ Klain remarked. In preparation for the debate, Klain and other aides organized two mock debates to address Biden’s disconnection from key issues, particularly regarding inflation and his plans for a second term.

The first mock debate, scheduled for 90 minutes, was cut short after just 45 minutes due to Biden’s diminished energy and focus. Klain noted, ‘The president’s voice was shot and so was his grasp of the subject.’ Biden primarily discussed his infrastructure plan, lacking substantial commentary on his future agenda. ‘He had nothing to say about his agenda for a second term,’ Klain noted.

Whipple adds that during the second mock debate, Biden struggled to keep pace. ‘Twenty-five minutes into the second mock debate, the president was done for the day,’ Klain recounted. Biden reportedly expressed, ‘I’m just too tired to continue… I just need some sleep.’ This candid admission raised alarms among aides about the president’s readiness for the high-stakes debate.

As the debate date approached, Klain’s concerns intensified, notably fearing a potential disaster on national television. When the night arrived on June 27, Biden’s performance was marked by uncertainty, with Klain stating, ‘He stumbled, stared, and mumbled’ during the two-hour exchange. While Jill Biden praised her husband’s performance, close aides observed a troubling dissonance between Biden’s portrayal and the reality of his struggle.

A close friend of Biden’s later recounted a conversation with Valerie Biden Owens, who was enraged about her brother’s performance. ‘Where did that voice go? What the fuck happened to this guy?’ the friend wondered aloud, encapsulating the widespread concern regarding Biden’s cognitive abilities.

Shortly after the debate, Klain received a call from Jeff Zients, his successor as chief of staff, confirming what was deemed a ‘gut punch’ for the Biden campaign: the president would step back from the race just weeks after the disastrous debate. ‘I think that’s a mistake. I think this was an avoidable tragedy,’ Klain lamented.

In the aftermath, Vice President Kamala Harris emerged as the frontrunner to lead the Democratic ticket but faced significant opposition from party heavyweights, including Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, who were hesitant about her candidacy. Despite efforts, Harris ultimately lost to Trump in the November elections.

As discussions continue around Biden’s decline and the fallout from his debate performance, Whipple’s book, titled ‘Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History,’ will be available on April 8, providing further insights into the political dynamics of a tumultuous election cycle.