Joe Biden’s latest phone call to his former campaign staffers has ignited a firestorm of speculation and theories about the president’s health and the future of his political career.
The 81-year-old president, speaking from COVID isolation at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home, delivered a message to Vice President Kamala Harris, telling her, “I’m watching you kid.” Yet, it wasn’t just the president’s scratchy voice that drew attention, but an odd exchange between Biden and Harris that has fueled further intrigue.
The vice president addressed Biden during the call, saying, “Joe, I know you’re still on the rec… on the call.” This slip of the tongue, where Harris almost said “recording” before correcting herself, has set off a flurry of speculation. Conservative figure Marjorie Taylor Greene was quick to pounce on the moment, suggesting Harris may have inadvertently revealed that the call was pre-recorded. “Did Kamala spill the beans? Was it a recording? That’s what she started to say,” Greene remarked.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk echoed these sentiments, calling it a “very strange slip,” which caught the attention of Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. The Colorado representative, known for her vocal criticism of Biden, questioned the president’s whereabouts, asking pointedly, “Where is Joe?”
Adding fuel to the fire, campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez’s reaction to Biden’s remarks was also scrutinized. Observers noted her body language seemed off, suggesting she knew something was amiss. This led some to believe the call may have been a pre-recorded audio or even an AI-generated message.
Biden, who has been out of public view since testing positive for COVID last week, assured everyone he was still carrying out his presidential duties despite his isolation. His physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, reported that Biden’s symptoms had nearly resolved and that his vital signs remained normal. Nevertheless, the president’s prolonged absence has only heightened the speculation surrounding his health and ability to lead.
The last public sighting of Biden was late Wednesday when he arrived at a U.S. air base in Dover, Delaware, after testing positive for COVID-19. He then traveled to his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach. The White House has announced that Biden plans to return to Washington on Tuesday afternoon.
In his phone call on Monday, Biden, with a slightly gravelly voice, told his staff, “If I didn’t have COVID, I’d be standing there with you.” Despite reassurances from his doctor, the unusual nature of his recent announcement and subsequent silence have left many questioning his health status.
Political figures on both sides of the aisle have weighed in. Lauren Boebert, never one to shy away from controversy, demanded “proof of life” from the president, giving him a deadline to appear on camera. She insisted, “He needs to get in front of some camera and discuss if he’s aware that he dropped out. Hiding is completely unacceptable.”
Journalist Glenn Greenwald also expressed unease, stating it was “strange and wrong” that Biden had not made a televised announcement since his significant decision to exit the presidential race. Greenwald tweeted, “Having a President drop out by tweet and then disappear is bizarre. If he’s well enough to decide, then he’s well enough to speak.”
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene took a more conspiratorial tone, suggesting a power struggle within the Democratic establishment. Without evidence, she claimed there was a “soft civil war” within the deep state and that the elites had been lying about Biden’s health for years. “Next, they start a coup against him demanding he drop out of the race when they couldn’t hide it anymore,” Greene posted.
Biden’s health appears to be a significant factor in his decision to end his campaign, following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Concerns about his wellbeing were exacerbated when his younger brother suggested illness played a role in Biden’s decision. However, a Biden family source quickly refuted these claims, attributing them to Frank Biden’s struggles with alcoholism.
Despite Biden’s reassurances that he would remain involved in the reelection fight and continue to support Harris, the transition has been jarring. Campaign offices have already shifted focus, with signs promoting “Harris for President” and “Restore Roe” replacing Biden-Harris logos.
As Harris took the podium, she expressed affection for Biden, saying, “We love Joe and Jill.” Biden interjected from the phone line, “It’s mutual,” to which Harris responded, “I knew you were still there, you’re not going anywhere Joe.”
With the Democratic field seemingly consolidating around Harris, there have been calls for an open convention from figures like Marianne Williamson. Meanwhile, Biden’s campaign staff, blindsided by his sudden exit, have been reassured that their jobs remain secure as they transition to supporting Harris’s candidacy.
In the end, Biden’s unexpected withdrawal and the subsequent fallout have left many questions unanswered, fueling speculation and debate about the true state of his health and the future of the Democratic Party.
