New Book Reveals Biden's Apparent Lack of Recognition at George Clooney Fundraiser

Fundraiser Incident: Biden and Clooney

• 📌 A forthcoming book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson details an incident at a June 2024 fundraiser where President Biden reportedly did not recognize actor George Clooney.
• 💡 An aide had to gently remind Biden, "You know, George," after Biden greeted Clooney with "Thank you for being here. You know, George."
• ⚠️ Attendees, including Democratic Congresswoman Annie Kuster, were alarmed by the apparent lack of recognition, with one Hollywood VP describing the moment as "startling" and "awful."

Concerns Over Physical and Mental Acuity

• 🧠 The book also reveals that aides privately discussed putting Biden in a wheelchair for his second term due to physical deterioration.
• 🩺 Steps were taken to manage Biden's public appearances, including finding shorter walking paths and adding handrails, to disguise his physical state.
• 🩺 Biden's doctor had warned behind the scenes about the toll the job took on his health.
• 🗣️ A spokesperson for Biden stated that his gait was caused by wear and tear on his spine and that evidence of aging is not evidence of mental incapacity.

George Clooney's Reaction and Op-Ed

• 🎭 George Clooney, a long-time Biden ally, was privately alarmed by the president's fitness after witnessing the fundraiser incident.
• ✍️ Weeks later, following a televised debate, Clooney wrote an op-ed calling for Biden to drop out of the presidential race, citing his concerns.
• 💬 Clooney stated it's important for journalists and others to "speak truth to power, no matter which party you support."

Democratic Insiders' Private Concerns

• 📉 David Plouffe, a former Obama campaign aide, is quoted saying, "We got so screwed by Biden as a party. It's all Biden. He totally effed us."
• 🤐 Many Democratic insiders reportedly refused to share concerns publicly until after the election, prioritizing defeating Trump over addressing Biden's perceived unfitness.
• 🏛️ Some strategists privately described Biden's decision to run for reelection as an "abomination" and that he "stole an election from the Democratic Party."

The Role of Aides and Stagecraft

• 🎭 Aides were criticized for managing Biden's schedule and public appearances through "stagecraft" to mask his physical deterioration.
• 💡 The book suggests that Biden's close-knit group of advisers reinforced his desire to run rather than protecting his legacy or the Democratic Party.
• 🎤 Some argue that Biden failed to make a case for himself due to his age and possible infirmities, unlike Donald Trump who actively campaigns.