Overview

• Ron Klain, Biden's former chief of staff, described the president as 'fatigued, befuddled, and disengaged' during debate preparations with Donald Trump in June 2024.
• Biden's focus on NATO leadership and disengagement from campaign priorities raised concerns among his aides, as reported in Whipple's book.
• Mock debate sessions were cut short due to Biden's exhaustion, with one session ending after just 25 minutes, reflecting his cognitive and physical struggles.
• Biden's disastrous debate performance on June 27, 2024, was a turning point, leading to his withdrawal from the race on July 21.
• Kamala Harris secured the Democratic nomination but lost to Donald Trump in November 2024, leaving the Democratic Party divided and facing strategic challenges.