 It isn't unusual for a president to take some time off as the time grows near for a debate. Presidents get rusty during their time in office, and Biden is not used to being challenged on policy decisions or opinions. He stays cocooned in the White House or at one of his mansions in Delaware, away from the press corps. He rarely gives interviews. It's reported that there are 16 aides with Biden working as advisors and preparing for the debate. Sixteen.