A recently published book titled "Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House" by journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes has brought to light disconcerting information about the internal discussions within the Democratic Party regarding President Joe Biden's health and the 2024 election. The book details contingency plans that were allegedly made in the event of Biden's incapacitation or death while in office, revealing the extent of concern among party officials about the president's ability to fulfill his duties.
According to the Guardian's coverage of the book's content, aides to Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly had strategies in place for an unforeseen situation where Biden might pass away before the upcoming election. Discussions included a "death-pool roster" of federal judges who could potentially swear in a new president. Jamal Simmons, who served as Harris’s White House communications director, is said to have devised a comprehensive communications strategy to address a severe decline in Biden's health. Simmons, before his departure from Harris's team in January 2023, left a detailed spreadsheet with a colleague and requested to be informed immediately should anything happen to the president.
These revelations are part of a larger narrative painted by the authors, focusing on the growing concerns about Biden's age and mental fitness as he approached the 2024 campaign. The book highlights a particularly lackluster performance by Biden in a debate with former President Donald Trump, which intensified calls within his own party for him to withdraw from the race.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) was reportedly engaging in secretive talks as early as 2023 to prepare for various scenarios, including the possibility of Biden stepping down before the primaries, winning the nomination but being unable to continue, or dropping out after having secured enough delegates. An official privy to these discussions expressed apprehension about Biden making it to Election Day, citing the unprecedented situation of an 80-plus-year-old president running for re-election.
Despite these concerns, Biden remained resolute in his decision to run, buoyed by support from his family, including his wife, Jill Biden, and son, Hunter Biden. The book describes a moment of vulnerability for Biden just days after the aforementioned debate, where he required assistance walking at a fundraiser and used tape on the floor for guidance, as well as cues for speaking off-script.
The authors recount a poignant exchange between Biden and former President Barack Obama, where Obama inquired about Biden's strategic path forward, eliciting an exasperated response from Biden questioning Obama's own plan.
The insights provided by Allen and Parnes shed light on the internal machinations of the Democratic Party as it grappled with the stark reality of an aging incumbent president, the concerns about his health, and the preparation for any potential outcomes. These private discussions highlight the party's attempt to manage the uncertainties of Biden's candidacy and the unpredictable nature of his presidency as the 2024 election loomed closer.
