Two months ago, octogenarian President Joe Biden started taking the short stairs to board Air Force One to project some semblance of vitality.
It didn’t work.
As the New York Post reported in February, Biden, who tripped up the main steps of his aircraft at least three times prior to this, also tripped using the short steps.
“The 81-year-old commander-in-chief managed to narrowly avoid a complete double tumble,” the Post noted at the time.
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In an X post in response to Biden’s missteps, the Republican National Committee said, “A Secret Service agent is placed at the bottom of the stairs whenever Biden boards or disembarks to prevent this very scenario from happening. Biden is not well!”
Accordingly, the White House apparently has adopted a new technique to prevent the public from seeing the feeble president traversing the White House grounds to board and leave his aircraft.
As The Washington Times reported on Friday, “In response to concerns about his mobility, President Biden has adjusted his routine when walking to Marine One [the presidential helicopter] on the White House’s South Lawn. Now he’s often accompanied by aides.”
“The modification since mid-April aims to project an image of agility and reduce the chances of mishaps that could draw attention to his age,” the Times added, citing an Axios report.
“Previously, Mr. Biden, 81, would frequently make the walk alone or with family members. However, recent observations indicate a noticeable shift, with the president choosing to be flanked by staff members or lawmakers in nine out of 10 instances since April 16.”
“The change comes after a period when the president moved independently to and from the helicopter, including five instances in March alone. The strategic presence of aides offers physical support and blocks news cameras capturing any stumbles,” the Times noted.
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As Axios reported in the original story, “The visual effect [of using aides] is to draw less attention to the 81-year-old’s halting and stiff gait.”
“Some Biden advisers have told Axios they’re concerned that videos of Biden walking and shuffling alone — especially across the grass — have highlighted his age,” the outlet added. “Since the change, some advisers think the images of Biden’s walks to and from the helicopter are better, and they expect him to continue to have aides join him.”
But is it better, now that the public knows they are just for show?
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