Former President Joe Biden faced significant challenges related to his cognitive health and political standing in the period leading up to and following the 2024 presidential election cycle. Audio recordings from a 2023 special counsel interview revealed that Biden struggled to recall key details from his life, fueling concerns about his mental sharpness

. A book titled "Original Sin" by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson alleges there was a concerted effort by Biden's inner circle to conceal his cognitive decline from the public and top Democrats, describing it as a "conspiracy" and "gaslighting" of the American people

. Politically, Biden ran for reelection in 2024 but faced widespread criticism from within his own party after a poor debate performance against Donald Trump in June 2024, where he appeared confused and forgetful. This led to calls from many senior Democrats for him to withdraw from the race. Despite initially insisting he would stay in, Biden ultimately announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election on July 21, 2024

. Since leaving office, Biden has remained somewhat active in public life but has encountered frustration from Democrats who want new leadership and feel his continued presence hinders the party's renewal. He has acknowledged responsibility for Trump's 2024 victory and has spoken publicly about his role and the challenges faced during his presidency, including inflation and cultural issues

. Biden's departure from public office marks the end of a long political career with a mixed legacy of legislative achievements and internal party divisions. He is reportedly working on a book to share his perspective on his presidency and its conclusion

. In summary, Joe Biden's recent history involves a contested reelection bid marred by concerns about his cognitive health, eventual withdrawal from the 2024 race, and a complicated post-presidency period marked by party tensions and reflections on his legacy