As former President Joe Biden approached what many expected to be the final stages of his political career, his allies were hard at work behind the scenes.
The Daily Caller reported that as early as 2023, they were developing strategies that could accommodate various abrupt changes, such as Biden having to exit the presidential race. This foresight stemmed from concerns about his age and physical stamina, which made his ability to continue campaigning uncertain.
The planning also anticipated the worst-case scenario, which included Biden's possible demise. A discreet yet strategic approach was in place to ensure a smooth transition if necessary.
These preparations were critical in potentially upholding the stability of the presidential office and the Democratic Party's image.
Unbeknownst to then-Vice President Kamala Harris, an aide had prepared a proactive strategy. This included a list of Republican federal judges nominated by officials other than Trump, who could be called upon should she need to be sworn in unexpectedly.
The aide believed that involving these judges would be perceived as more credible by Republicans, a key consideration in maintaining bipartisan respect.
Harris only became aware of this list in January 2023, which illustrates how cautiously these preparations were handled within Biden’s circle. This measure was not just a plan but an entire communication strategy designed to uphold public confidence during a potential transition.
The need for such preemptive measures became apparent following several public incidents. Notably, Biden's verbal blunder during a debate with President Donald Trump on June 28, 2024, fueled further concern about his capability to continue. Despite these public challenges, Biden's close allies remained confident in his resilience.
Biden's appearance was also a subject of meticulous attention. He regularly used a makeup artist to carefully conceal any signs of aging before public appearances, like trips or important meetings. This was part of a broader strategy to maintain a robust and vigorous public image.
In 2023, after a commencement address at the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony, Biden suffered a fall. This incident was widely reported and added to the growing concern about his physical capability to continue his presidency safely and effectively.
In response to these concerns, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended the president’s health and stamina in February 2023.
She emphasized the grueling schedule Biden maintained, which she remarked was sometimes too demanding even for younger staff members. Her statement was intended to reassure the public of Biden's fitness for office.
A former staffer involved in the strategic planning shared that an immediate notification system was in place if anything were to happen to President Biden. "He should be notified immediately if something happened to Biden because he had a communications strategy prepared," the staffer had instructed his colleagues.
The intricate preparations concluded with an understanding among Biden’s advisers that no contrary advice would be provided to him regarding the continuation of his campaign.
"At the end of the day, I don’t think anyone in that inner circle was presenting the president any contrary advice that this thing is not going to be easy or maybe this is not the best thing for the Democratic Party," a Biden ally disclosed.
Such detailed preparations underscore the complexities of managing presidential responsibilities amidst personal health concerns. For Biden's team, maintaining continuity of governance and public trust were paramount. Their forward-thinking approach in scenario planning exemplifies the depth of strategic planning that underpins U.S. presidential politics.