We don't know that Dem leadership knew he was failing.

That's the only point I will argue in your post. If you have ever been near a patient with dementia or Alzheimer, you know there are no good days. It's a slow journey to the end of your life.

It may work for my aunt Jenny but not for the POTUS. And I do think those closest to him either knew or were just blind and stupid to think he was anywhere near 100%. Like any family, it's hard to watch the decline and to admit the normalcy is gone. The debate would have been the signal in normal life to start looking for an assisted care center.

But, that's water under the bridge now. I too hope we'll know a result by no later than late night November 7 but I believe there's at least one state that doesn't even start counting until the next morning.