Biden Aides Choose Against Cognitive Test Amid Age Concerns

Top aides to President Joe Biden considered having him take a cognitive test before his 2024 re-election campaign but ultimately decided against it, fearing that doing so would draw more attention to concerns about his age and mental acuity. According to a forthcoming book by prominent political journalists, Biden's team was confident he would pass such a test, yet worried that even taking it could fuel negative narratives and intensify public scrutiny. The debate among his staff occurred in February 2024, shortly before Biden’s annual physical and amid heightened political tensions, including calls from Donald Trump for Biden to take a cognitive exam. The issue of Biden’s mental fitness became especially salient after a special counsel's report described him as an elderly man with memory issues, and following a poor debate performance that contributed to his eventual withdrawal from the race. Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in as the Democratic nominee but ultimately lost the election to Trump. The episode highlights the deep concern within Biden’s inner circle about the political risks surrounding questions of age and cognition.