In an explosive new book, a close aide to President Joe Biden provides a behind-the-scenes look at the unsettling days leading up to his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.
The Guardian reported that the account reveals how a deteriorating performance in a major debate propelled Biden to withdraw, subsequently making Kamala Harris the Democratic nominee.
In "Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History," author Chris Whipple delves into the struggles faced by Biden as narrated by Ron Klain, his then-Chief of Staff.
According to Klain, Biden's preparations were hampered by physical fatigue and a lack of engagement with critical domestic issues, as he was more engrossed in international praise. Klain's revelation has sparked concerns regarding the then-President's capacity to sustain the rigors of a national campaign.
"Didn’t know what Trump had been saying and couldn’t grasp what the back and forth was,” Klain lamented about Biden's grasp on the debate stakes. Klain also candidly advised Biden during preparations, telling him, “Sir, when you look perplexed, people just think you’re perplexed. And this is our problem in this race.”
Biden, in response to questions about his focus during debate prep sessions, said he believed the favorable opinions of foreign leaders confirmed his presidential successes, stating, "These guys say I’m doing a great job as president, so I must be a great president."
The debate itself, as forecasted by Klain, turned into a nationally televised struggle, showcasing a visibly tired Biden grappling with the demands of live confrontation.
Whipple described it as a potential catastrophe that Klain feared would happen. "Klain feared the debate with Trump would be a nationally televised disaster," Whipple noted, capturing the tension that loomed over Biden's campaign team.
The aftermath of the debate led to a significant decision, where Biden, citing exhaustion, confessed to Klain and others, "I’m just too tired to continue and I’m afraid of losing my voice here and I feel bad." This moment was pivotal, as described by Whipple, who portrayed Biden's resignation from the race as a fallout from this disastrous performance.
On July 21, following a crucial discussion between Klain and Biden’s eventual successor, Jeff Zients, Biden announced his withdrawal from the race. This decision, Klain reflected, was an "avoidable tragedy," believing Biden should have persevered despite the debate fiasco.
With Biden out, Kamala Harris stepped up as the Democratic nominee. However, she faced stiff opposition from within her party, notably from influential Democratic figures who were skeptical about her candidacy. This internal conflict and the dramatic shift in leadership dynamics set the stage for a contentious election period.
Harris’s campaign ultimately did not succeed, resulting in Donald Trump reclaiming the presidency in November, as her bid to maintain Democratic control faltered amid the turbulence left in the wake of Biden's departure.
Reflecting on the entire episode, Whipple critically evaluates the series of events, suggesting that the situation was "stranger and way more troubling" than a simple health concern or an ordinary campaign hurdle.
His narrative paints a complex portrait of a campaign in crisis, driven by personal and public challenges that culminated in a stunning political plot twist.
This detailed chronicle raises critical questions about leadership endurance and the transparency of health disclosures in high-stakes political contests.
It brings to light the arduous decision-making processes behind closed doors that influence the larger electoral landscapes.
Valerie Biden Owens, Biden's sister, was reportedly furious over how events unfolded, described by a close friend as "practically incoherent" due to anger about the situation.
The release of Whipple’s book next week is anticipated to offer more insights into this dramatic chapter of American politics, capturing an unvarnished look at the pressures and complexities of presidential campaigning.