In a revealing excerpt from the upcoming book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, it is reported that former President Joe Biden failed to acknowledge actor George Clooney during a high-profile fundraiser in June 2024 that Clooney was co-hosting. The authors describe Biden as appearing significantly aged and “severely diminished”, as if a decade had passed since their last encounter in December 2022.
When Clooney greeted Biden backstage after his return from the G7 conference in Italy, an aide had to remind the president of the star’s identity, which led to an awkward interaction where Biden expressed gratitude without demonstrating recognition of who Clooney was. This moment has been interpreted as a stark representation of Biden’s physical and cognitive decline in his final year as president, contributing to his eventual decision to withdraw from the 2024 election campaign following a problematic debate performance against Donald Trump.
The book, titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” draws on over 200 interviews, mostly with Democratic insiders, shedding light on mounting concerns surrounding Biden’s health and mental acuity. The authors illustrate that while Biden exhibited a fluctuating state of being — good days and bad — there was a general reluctance among those close to him to confront his deteriorating condition, as they attempted to manage public perception.
Clooney’s unsettling experience at the fundraiser left him “shaken to his core,” and according to witnesses, the moment Biden hesitated in recognising him was particularly uncomfortable. This interaction seemingly motivated Clooney to later pen an op-ed urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy, prompted by concerns for the party’s future amidst his decline.
Despite advice from peers, including former President Barack Obama, against issuing the piece, Clooney pressed on, believing in its accuracy even while acknowledging its harshness. Biden’s aides, however, reacted negatively, showing strong emotional responses akin to organized crime pressure tactics, as they sought to control the fallout from the op-ed.
In recent interviews, both Biden and his wife, Jill, defended his presidency, suggesting that critics fail to understand the relentless effort he exerted daily. They denied allegations of cognitive decline, insisting he remained active and engaged throughout his administration.
The narrative surrounding Biden’s health was further echoed by concerns from Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who contemplated alternative strategies amidst their worries about Biden’s effectiveness as a candidate. Prominent political figures have expressed frustration over the ramifications of Biden’s decision to run again, suggesting it jeopardised the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. Overall, this situation reveals profound implications for the future of the Democratic Party amidst shifting leadership dynamics.