Biden stands firm in race despite health speculation

After the failed debate with Donald Trump at the end of June, many called for Joe Biden to withdraw from the race for the White House. More and more people are noticing Biden's age—the 81-year-old President had problems speaking during the debate, lost his train of thought, and did not finish sentences.

Meanwhile, the US political service axios.com reported that before subsequent appearances, Biden receives instructions on how to get to the microphone. The instructions include large photos showing the path to the microphone.

It surprised me that a seasoned political pro like the president would need detailed verbal and visual instructions on how to enter and exit a room, said a person who participated in one of Biden's events over the past 18 months.

An anonymous axios.com source claims that a "simple fundraiser" was treated "like a NATO summit." According to the service, the White House sends event staff a template to follow, preparing their own guidelines for the president.

One of the templates shows a large picture of the event location on each page with large text, such as "view from the podium" and "view from the audience." Two pages also included separate photos with the caption "Walk to the podium."

The White House spokesperson downplayed these instructions, telling Axios that high levels of detail and precision are critical to presidential advance work — regardless of who is president — and these are basic approaches that are used by any modern advance team, including the vice president's office and agencies."

These documents are standard logistical briefing materials and photos for any principal, including the vice president, said Vice President Kamala Harris.