In what sounds like it’s straight out of a sitcom, it appears the White House has taken to baby-proofing its procedures for Joe Biden. If reports are to be believed, aides now practically form a human shield around Biden as he ambles across the South Lawn to and from Marine One. The reason? To spare the world from the sight of Biden’s “halting and stiff gait,” which, according to some, telegraphs in neon lights his advancing years and alleged mental decline.
Now, if you’re picturing this as something akin to a presidential version of “Weekend at Bernie’s,” you’re not alone. But it seems this isn’t merely for laughs. Axios has shed light on this special routine devised for whenever Biden departs or returns to the White House, painting a picture of advisors wringing their hands over optics that might underscore the Biden’s age.
Can't Make It Up: The President of the United States has been assigned “walkers.”
You heard that right. The man that has access to nuke codes now requires aides to escort him across a lawn.
These handlers now walk between Biden and the pool cameras, "to draw less attention to… pic.twitter.com/RO81Dvufb6
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) April 26, 2024
It’s not just about walking, folks. The White House is reportedly taking proactive steps to prevent any potential falls, reminiscent of Biden’s stumble last summer at the Air Force Academy. From swapping out footwear for black Hoka sneakers with extra support to modifying Biden’s entry onto Air Force One to avoid steep stairs, it’s clear there’s a concerted effort to mitigate risks associated with Biden’s “spinal arthritis” and “mild sensory peripheral neuropathy of the feet.”
Critics and supporters alike can’t help but view these measures as emblematic of broader concerns over Biden’s physical and ostensibly mental fitness for office. Amidst growing whispers (or in some quarters, loud assertions) of dementia or other degenerative conditions, every trip, stumble, or tightly orchestrated lawn crossing is dissected for signs of decline.
But beyond the slapstick image of aides scurrying to shield Biden from cameras lies a more serious question about transparency and leadership. In an age where authenticity and relatability are touted as political gold, the optics of shielding a leader’s vulnerabilities can cut both ways. It’s one thing to protect Biden’s physical well-being; it’s quite another to wonder if we’re being shielded from the truth about his capability to lead.
In an era ripe with division and skepticism, moves like these fuel debates about leadership, age, and the delicacy with which we handle our elected officials’ human frailties. Whether these efforts will reassure a concerned public or fuel further speculation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in the court of public opinion, appearances matter, and the tightrope walk of managing perceptions is a precarious one indeed.
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