U.S. President Joe Biden’s disastrous performance during his debate with rival Donald Trump, followed by unimpressive interviews that failed to boost perceptions of his competence to run for re-election and serve another term, raise important questions — not just about him, but also the people around him.

Who has been concealing his deteriorating condition? Who is counselling him to remain in the race rather than make way for a younger, more vigorous contender? And who has been making presidential decisions in the absence of an elected chief executive who’s up to the demands of the job? It’s enough to make one harbour doubts about the political class.