President Joe Biden is now be accompanied to and from the South Lawn to board Marine One by a phalanx of staffers — in an effort to keep the press from focusing on the commander-in-chief’s hesitant, shuffling gait that is a constant reminder of his advanced age.
Mr. Biden, 81, the oldest leader in history, had typically walked to the presidential helicopter alone or with family members during his first three years in office.
However, aides began flanking him around mid-April, sparking widespread speculation in the press.
On Friday, in one of the clearest examples of the new routine, six staff members, including the press secretary Karine Jean Pierre positioned themselves between Mr. Biden and the waiting cameras and microphones as he returned to the nation’s capital from New York.
Axios reported Friday morning, some Biden aides say the change shows the president appears more nimble and expect the practice to continue.
In March, the president was seen walking to and from Marine One five times – either alone or in the company of loved ones.
But since April 16, the president has made the trip by helicopter with his collaborators or parliamentarians nine times out of ten.
“It’s fully visible except for a few seconds,” said White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, scoffing at speculation about the meaning of Mr. Biden’s new blockers. “To accuse.”
An administration official also responded by insisting that Mr. Biden had made the change to reflect a “less formal” crossing from the lawn to the helicopter.
“A few weeks ago, the president mentioned to his aides that he would prefer a less formal approach and told them they should just walk with him,” one official said.
The president has held the fewest news conferences or formal White House interviews with a commander in chief in modern history, often forcing the press to shout questions at him as he walks across the South Lawn to ascend to aboard Marine One.
Journalists and photographers had speculated that one possible reason Mr. Biden’s staff walked side-by-side with him during the helicopter’s approach was to prevent him from turning toward the press to chat.
Short question-and-answer sessions, usually on the lawn, are by far the most common form of the president’s engagement with the press.
As the nation approaches elections, the reason given is actually concern over his age, which has been highlighted especially last year.
First Lady Jill Biden frequently accompanied her husband off the stage at events — and positioned herself to help close press conferences That could give the president’s critics more evidence that his age is a political liability.
Jill Biden’s presence also generally indicates that Mr. Biden will not speak as he walks toward the helicopter.
His team has since also taken steps to prevent the president from stumbling.
Mr. Biden was seen wearing shoes that provide additional, but necessary, support, according to Axios.
He was also seen boarding Air Force One through its rear entrance – which requires the use of shorter, less steep stairs – after being captured several times. stumbling video as he climbed longer stairs upon entering the plane.
Mr Biden would also do regular physiotherapy and stretching exercises.
As the president’s team continues to work to change the public’s perception of his fitness, the Biden campaign has also used his age as an asset during the election cycle.
Last month, Mr. Biden recounted a campaign announcement in which he emphasizes that his age and experience are actually assets that help him “get things done”.
“Look, I’m not a young man. It’s no secret,’ Mr Biden says in a new 60-second spot called ‘For You’ – part of a new US$30 million ($46 million) ad buy in the US states. battlefield. “But here’s the thing: I understand how to get things done for the American people.”
Steven Nelson contributed to this report
This article was originally published on New York Post and has been reproduced with permission
