Biden's health condition was 'covered up' by aides

Joe Biden's time in public office is now behind him, but his age and mental acuity have become a litmus test for the next leaders in his party.

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Audio was published on Friday from portions of interviews Biden gave to federal prosecutors in 2023, the latest in a stream of reports putting questions about Biden's health back in the spotlight. Months after former President Kamala Harris lost to President Donald Trump, a new book alleges that White House aides covered up Biden's physical and mental decline.

Several potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 nomination have been asked in recent days whether they believe Biden was declining in office or whether he should have sought reelection before a disastrous debate performance led to his withdrawal.

Many Democrats would prefer to focus on Trump's second term. Trump has done his best to prevent that - mentioning Biden's name an average of six times per day during his first 100 days in office, according to an NBC News analysis - and Republicans have followed his lead, betting that voters frustrated by Trump's policy moves will still prefer him over memories of an unpopular presidency, according to the Associated Press.