The failure of the president’s inner circle must be held accountable as the citizens of this nation have been lied to about the well-being of our commander-in-chief.

President Joseph P. Biden is an honorable man. Even as a Republican, I’m thankful for his decades of public service as a truly dynamic United States Senator, and his service as this nation’s Vice President for two terms. Having met him decades ago through the late Arlen Specter, I can tell you he certainly had a presence, with quick wit and commentary that could defuse tensions in any room. While I didn’t agree with most of his positions, I respect his accomplishments in public service that benefited our nation.

Unfortunately, this is not the person we have today sitting in the Oval Office.

This is not about an election cycle in which we happen to be engaged. It’s not about his opponent, Donald J. Trump, who is poised to make an extraordinary political comeback—becoming the nominee of the Republican Party even as he faces unprecedented indictments. No, it’s about the cognitive abilities of a sitting President who has now been sadly exposed to the nation as unfit for office.

Those of us who have faced cognitive issues with our grandparents and parents know that we always protect them in any situation. But this is about our republic. If the President is not fit to perform the duties they were elected to perform, they must step aside. If not done so voluntarily, then the cabinet—anchored by the Vice President—must invoke the 25th Amendment, removing that person from office.

Civics teaches us that the presidency is about more than one person. However, our elected leaders must be able to articulate their goals and positions to the public, which our President is unable to do any longer. We must remember the solemn oath of office he swore to when he stated, “without any mental reservation,” which is no longer possible.

No matter your party affiliation, none of us can dispute what we witnessed as our President was exposed without the protection of those manipulating state affairs.

The time has come for President Biden to place the greater good of the nation ahead of any further public service and honorably step aside with the respect of a grateful nation to be with his family or face an unprecedented moment in our history that will only divide this nation further.

Ned Sader has more than two decades of public affairs experience working for corporations and nonprofits, with a specialty in the development of public/private partnerships. He has served on numerous regional boards and is a lifelong resident of Wayne County.