Non-partisan American research and development institute, RAND Corporation, has published a recent study highlighting a very real and concerning national security risk. And this one is right under our noses. The risk is that individuals with current or past access to classified information may disclose government secrets if or when they develop dementia.
This is an especially relevant discussion given President Joe Biden’s age and recent health issues that have been widely reported in the media.
BREAKING: Pentagon officials are worried that Biden may pose a national security risk given his apparent dementia.
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) September 19, 2023
At 80 years old, Biden is the oldest president in US history and his re-election bid for 2024 will be a historic gamble for the Democratic Party.
With several instances of disorientation, trip-and-falls, and memory lapses being documented in public settings there is serious concern about whether he can handle another term in office.
In fact, a December poll found that almost 60 percent of registered voters were seriously concerned about his mental fitness while an Associated Press-NORC poll further revealed that even Democrats believe he is too old to serve effectively as president again.
This conversation also has broader implications as it raises questions about gerontocracy – rule by the elderly – in politics more generally.
For example, Senator Mitch McConnell who had another freezing episode last month holds privileged access to classified information as part of the Gang of Eight leadership team while Senator Dianne Feinstein – 90 years old – remains on Senate Intelligence Committee despite having experienced confusion over how to vote and forgetting conversations she’s had months ago.
Furthermore, at 80 years old Biden has ultimate classification authority with extraordinary power to both classify and declassify information broadly across sectors making this situation all the more concerning.
This issue should not be taken lightly due to its potential consequences on national security matters and beyond.
It’s clear that there are serious concerns surrounding President Joe Biden’s age and mental fitness given his advanced age which could pose significant risks for both him personally as well as those around him if he decides to run for re-election in 2024.
