The recent switch in President Joe Biden’s aircraft staircase routine from larger steps to retractable, shorter ones has raised many questions about his state of physical and mental health.
Biden is 80 years old, and with his multiple falls on the stairs, slip-ups at Air Force Academy ceremonies, and even his “concession” to wearing sneakers for comfort, it is understandable why people are concerned.
The White House defends these decisions by citing bad weather calls and logistical decision-making as reasons for the change in stairs.
However, this does not explain why he was seen using the lower steps during trips with good weather conditions or why he would skip formal dinners during international trips.
The two anonymous Biden advisors who spoke to Politico claim that it was an intentional move for easier travel but many remain unconvinced.
Overall, this begs the question whether President Joe Biden is really taking a step in the wrong direction with this new staircase routine.
It is clear that there are some concerning issues regarding President Joe Biden’s physical abilities that need to be addressed.
It is understandable that he may want to take measures to protect himself from further injury or embarrassment due to falls however, it raises questions about what else he may be limiting himself from doing due to age or physical limitations while in office.
While White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre had no comment on any potential mobility problems when asked about this issue by Bloomberg’s Justin Sink, one person close to him did mention how he used to “resist” wearing sneakers out of concern for looking un-presidential but now wears them more often than before.
In addition, it was revealed that Biden uses a CPAP machine while sleeping which could indicate other underlying health issues such as sleep apnea.
Despite all these statements suggesting otherwise though, people cannot help but wonder if perhaps age might be catching up with him after all given all these recent changes.