Advisors to President Joe Biden reportedly chose not to have him undergo a cognitive assessment in early 2024, despite internal discussions and growing public concerns over his mental sharpness during the campaign.
Although insiders believed the president would pass such a test, the decision was ultimately made to avoid drawing more attention to his age and health—especially with a high-stakes debate looming against then-candidate Donald Trump. The timing of the debate and Biden’s physical exam added urgency to the discussion, but his team opted for discretion over disclosure.
The move came during a period of heightened scrutiny as Democratic leaders quietly questioned Biden’s ability to lead through another term. Following a lackluster debate performance and intensifying pressure within his own party, Biden later exited the race and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
These behind-the-scenes decisions have since become a focal point in post-election analysis, offering a glimpse into the internal strategy and hesitation that defined Biden’s final months on the campaign trail.