The White House has faced criticism for its management of President Joe Biden’s schedule, with the establishment media noting that he prioritizes sleep during his administration. Dating back to 2022, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that the president makes sleep a priority, with sources telling the New York Times that Biden took naps each day during the six days of debate prep, which began no earlier than 11:00 a.m.
Biden has also been reported to tell governors that he must stop scheduling events after 8:00 p.m. in order to get sufficient sleep. Despite being 81 years old, the president is said not to work past 8:00 p.m. In June 2022, Biden missed an informal event with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz due to his need for rest, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken attending in his place and telling attendees that the president “had to go to bed.
The White House has disputed these allegations. It was reported that Biden appeared “physically worn out as the days passed” at a summit due to a lack of air conditioning, although the State Department denied this claim. The Wall Street Journal also reported that White House staff are protective over President Biden and his interactions with the media, with barriers often placed in front of reporters to prevent them from asking questions.
Additionally, the media is sometimes kept far away from Biden during events, with music being played to ensure he cannot hear any questions. When given the opportunity to speak with the media, Biden’s aides will sometimes engage with journalists first to obtain their questions.
The White House has been actively managing President Biden’s schedule, movements, and personal interactions since his inauguration in an attempt to minimize signs of how age has taken a toll on the oldest president in U.S. history. The president’s daily itinerary is limited, with news conferences and media appearances restricted as well. In 2022, there were suggestions for Biden to make weekly cross-country trips to promote the benefits of his infrastructure law; however, these were dismissed by senior aides due to concerns about the president’s stamina.
A July CBS News/YouGov poll found that 72% of registered voters believe President Biden does not have the “mental” and “cognitive health” necessary to serve as president, up seven points following the debate. The president suffers from atrial fibrillation, peripheral neuropathy in his feet, and hyperlipidemia, according to his annual physical conducted by physician Kevin O’Connor. These health challenges might explain why President Biden has struggled to remain upright, having tripped, tumbled, or stumbled at least five times during his presidency.
In response to these incidents, the president implemented a strategy of walking to and from Marine One with multiple aides in order to “draw less attention” to his physical ailments. Additionally, Biden began boarding Air Force One using the shorter steps at the rear of the aircraft instead of the taller staircase at the front. Furthermore, he wears specially crafted sports shoes to aid his walking, which is typical for someone of his age.