President Joe Biden was given illustrated instructions to guide him to his place on stage before his disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump, according to a new report.
The five-page document reportedly included the phrase "Walk to podium" in large, boldface letters above photos of a red curtain next to an open doorway and view of the stage from the right wing.
The remaining three pages had other photos of the auditorium-style CNN studio in Atlanta, along with text that included "View from podium" and "View from audience," Axios said Sunday.
A person who staffed a Biden fundraiser within the past 18 months reportedly expressed surprise "that a seasoned political pro like the president would need detailed verbal and visual instructions on how to enter and exit a room."
White House spokespeople downplayed the document, with Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates saying 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."
A spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris also said, "These documents are standard logistical briefing materials and photos for any principal, including the vice president."
The emergence of the stage directions came as questions about Biden's mental fitness continue to swirl following the June 27 debate at which the 81-year-old president at times appeared unable to articulate his thoughts and struggled to complete sentences.
Biden has blamed his admittedly poor performance on a "really bad cold" and last week told ABC News that he wouldn't undergo cognitive and neurological exams because he's tested "every single day" by the demands of his job.
Five Democratic House members have publicly called on Biden to drop his reelection bid and four more reportedly said during a private conference call on Sunday that he should do so, according to the Washington Post.
Other Democratic lawmakers have publicly expressed concern about Biden's debate performance, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a two-time House speaker, and Rep. Adam Schiff, who during a TV appearance Sunday urged Biden to "talk to people outside his immediate circle" about whether he can beat Trump in November.
