Advisors have modified how President Biden is escorted when walking to Marine One. Here are the key points:
- Aides now surround Biden in a group when he walks to the helicopter
- The change aims to make his gait appear steadier on camera
- Some critics view it as trying to conceal signs of the President’s age
Why is this change happening, and what does it signify? Let’s take a closer look.
Biden Used to Walk to Marine One Alone
Up until March of this year, President Biden would walk solo across the White House lawn to board Marine One, the presidential helicopter. An iconic image showed theย Presidentย striding out ahead of everyone to the chopper before taking off.
This long-standing routine allowed clear camera views of Biden walking unassisted. However, close observers noted that at 80 years old, the President’s walk sometimes appeared shakier or less steady than in the past.
Group Now Surrounds Biden During the Walk
To address concerns over the optics of Biden’s gait, his team recently instituted a new protocol. When the President walks out to Marine One these days, he is fully surrounded by a group of aides and staffers.
The change means cameras have a more obstructed view of Biden. With people walking all around him, his individual walking abilities are less visible than when he was alone on the way to the helicopter.
White House officials have not publicly commented on the motivations. However, sources suggest the move aims to prevent close-up footage that could raise further questions about the President’s health and age.
Differing Perspectives on the Change
Reactions to the new walking routine have been mixed:
- Some see it as an understandable move to avoid fueling unfair narratives about Biden’s stamina or fitness for office based solely on his gait.
- Others view it as an overcautious PR move that could backfire by drawing even more attention to concerns over the President’s age and appearance.
- Critics accuse the White House of going too far to “shield” Biden and argue the American people deserve full transparency when it comes to assessing their leader’s condition.
Regardless of one’s stance, the changed protocol underscores how Biden’s age of 80 has remained a persistent issue and source of scrutiny during his presidency.
Biden’s Health and Ability to Lead
Beyond the walking routine, the White House has faced broader questions about how fully they have disclosed details regarding Biden’s health struggles, such as his gait issues from repeated bouts with COVID-19.
At the same time, Biden’s supporters insist he remains fully capable of discharging his duties asย Presidentย despite his advanced age.ย They point to his active schedule ofย traveling, meetings, and public speeches as evidence he is up to theย rigorsย of the job.
Only time will tell how the White House navigates ongoing queries about Biden’s stamina and Presidential optics as he ages during his term in office.ย However,ย theย changed walking protocol indicates their awareness that evenย smallย details can raise outsized speculation.
The Bigger Picture
While reasonable people may disagree on the appropriateness of Biden’s new walking arrangement, the situation touches on larger debates:
- What level of information should the public expect about a president’s medical condition and state of health?
- How much do outward appearances and optics truly matter versus substantive job performance?
- At what point could concerns over a president’s age potentially overshadow their ability to adequately serve?
These areย not easyย questions with simple answers.ย However, they underscore how thoroughly Biden’s age and stamina will likely remain under the microscope as his term continues.
Do you think the White House is taking a prudent approach to manage scrutiny over Biden’s mobility? Or are they going too far to try to control his perceived image? Let us know your perspective.
