The Democratic Party is grappling with significant internal and public backlash following revelations about Joe Biden's health during his presidency. Newly released details from insider accounts, including those in the book "Original Sin," have raised serious questions about transparency within the party and the White House.
The situation intensified after Biden, 82, announced he had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. This announcement, coupled with concerns over his fitness for office, has fueled Republican demands for accountability.
President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers are now calling for a full investigation into Biden's medical oversight. Questions have also been raised about the use of an autopen to sign official documents and the alleged withholding of key health updates from the public.
Republican strategists have been critical, with one strategist stating that trust in Democratic leadership has eroded. The White House press corps has also focused on Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Biden's physician, regarding the absence of regular health evaluations.
GOP strategist Douglas Heye stated concerns over Biden's health as president were very real. Ford O'Connell pointed to the concealment of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's prostate cancer diagnosis as another example of secrecy.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled the concealment of Biden's condition "truly one of the worst political scandals this country has ever seen." While some Democrats acknowledge the damage, others insist the party must refocus and rebuild.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) tied the issue to broader questions of credibility. Strategist John Feehery said the problem goes deeper than Biden, citing the abandonment of the white working class.