WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Joe Biden's Decline, the 25th Amendment, and the Political Price
May 21, 2025
Barton Swaim and James Toronto, both from The Wall Street Journal, engage in a compelling discussion about President Biden's challenges in office. They delve into the contentious issue of whether the 25th Amendment should be considered due to Biden's health concerns. The duo questions the political repercussions for Democrats if Biden's fitness continues to be scrutinized. Additionally, they highlight alarming revelations around Biden’s health, including unanswered questions about his prostate cancer screenings, and ponder the future of Democratic leadership.
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Limits of 25th Amendment on Biden
- The 25th Amendment is difficult to apply to a sitting president with age-related decline due to its high procedural and political hurdles.
- The requirement of vice president and cabinet consensus, plus a challenging Congressional supermajority, makes removal unlikely.
Barton Swaim's Biden Campaign Anecdote
- Barton Swaim witnessed Joe Biden struggling during a 2019 South Carolina campaign event with slurred speech and confusion.
- Biden's staff prepared a teleprompter, reflecting concern about his capacity to deliver speeches unaided.
Why Biden Secured Nomination
- The 2020 Democratic primary dynamics and COVID lockdown inadvertently cemented Biden's nomination despite concerns.
- Fear of Bernie Sanders and limited alternatives led Democrats to back Biden cautiously.