At a recent star-studded fundraiser for President Joe Biden in Los Angeles, whispers of concern about the president's health and demeanor circulated among attendees. According to sources, some of the biggest donors expressed unease at how Biden looked and carried himself during the event. Speculations about his cognitive abilities were further fueled by his limited speaking role and apparent reliance on former President Barack Obama during a smaller meeting with donors.

Comparisons were drawn between Biden's appearance in California and a previous fundraising gala in New York, where he appeared more energetic alongside Obama and former President Bill Clinton. A senior Democrat even noted a marked difference in the president's demeanor from the spring to the summer, describing him as "not the same."

Sources revealed a growing perception that Biden is increasingly stage-managed, with aides providing him lists of talking points and pre-screening questions from Cabinet officials before meetings. Cabinet meetings themselves have become infrequent, leading to uncertainty about Biden's condition among some officials who rarely see him. In contrast, sources explained that such pre-scripted meetings were not the norm during the Obama years when Biden served as vice president.

The concerns about Biden's health intensified after his faltering performance at CNN's presidential debate last month. More than two dozen current and former Democratic officials, donors, and longtime Biden allies expressed shock at his performance, citing noticeable decline. Sources attributed this decline to a painstakingly choreographed daily operation aimed at shielding him from unscripted settings for extended periods.

Critics of the president's inner circle of advisers and family claim that they respond aggressively to any criticism or concerns about Biden, beating down those who express contrary views and insisting on staying on message. Even during debate rehearsals, doubts were raised about Biden's ability to perform well, according to an insider.

Campaign officials, however, rejected claims from donors like George Clooney about Biden's appearance at the Los Angeles fundraiser, stating that the president was tired that day but still "animated and extremely present." Similarly, the White House provided a statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who defended the pre-screening of questions and talking points as a standard practice for any administration.

As pressure builds for Biden to bow out of the 2024 race, concerns over his ability to carry the Democratic ticket and potential damage to down-ballot races have escalated among Democrats. Recent internal polling is said to indicate erosion of support across the board for Democratic campaigns, adding to the urgency for Biden to demonstrate his vigor and determination, starting with his news conference on Thursday.

The coming days are pivotal for President Biden as his performance and engagement will be scrutinized by donors, allies, and voters. His campaign has argued that he has the necessary strength to remain the Democratic candidate, but the debate's impact has shifted perceptions among many Democrats. A lack of enthusiasm among both funders and voters has become apparent, contributing to a changing reality for Biden and his political future.

In conclusion, concerns about President Biden's appearance and performance have reached a critical point, with donors, officials, and allies expressing worry about his cognitive abilities and stage-managed engagements. As pressure to reconsider his campaign for the 2024 race increases, the president must navigate critical moments in the days ahead to regain confidence and address growing perceptions of decline.