Biden's team avoids cognitive test to sidestep age controversy
- In February 2024, Biden's advisers debated whether to have him take a cognitive test to address concerns about his age.
- Ultimately, they decided against it, fearing that taking the test would attract more attention to his age and cognitive abilities.
- This decision reflects the ongoing concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden's viability as a candidate in the 2024 election.
In early February 2024, amid rising concerns about President Joe Biden's age as he prepared for a second term, his administration debated the merits of a cognitive test. The discussion stemmed from a desire to reassure the public about his mental fitness prior to the June debate against Donald Trump. However, Biden's close aides ultimately decided against the test due to fears it would provoke further scrutiny over his age. Around the same time, Special Counsel Robert Hur released a report characterizing Biden as a well-meaning elderly individual with memory issues, which fueled concerns surrounding his capabilities. In the political landscape, various influential Democrats quietly expressed anxiety about Biden's ability to lead during his re-election campaign. Despite contentions from Biden's close aides that he was fit for the job, some party strategists voiced doubts, fearing his age could hinder the party's success in the upcoming election. A notable calculation was that, by the end of a potential second term, Biden would be almost 90 years old. The decision against taking the cognitive test was not just a reflection of Biden's administration's assessment of his cognitive abilities but also an act of political strategy. They aimed to maintain focus on his performance as opposed to engaging in a contentious discussion about his age. The former chief of staff Ron Klain notably emphasized the importance of Biden's incumbency and questioned who else could step up to challenge Trump. This sentiment encapsulated the discomfort within the Democratic party about the prospect of Biden's aging affecting electoral outcomes. Over the months leading to the election, ongoing media narratives about Biden's age persisted, complicating his administration's efforts to portray a competent image. The internal debates and decisions made in early 2024 showcased the balancing act faced by Biden's team, weighed between protecting their candidate from potential critique and ensuring that he could fulfill the demands of presidency while under public scrutiny.