US President Joe Biden’s health has once again come under scrutiny as his physician declared him “fit for duty” following his annual physical examination at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, released a comprehensive six-page report on Wednesday, stating that the 81-year-old president “continues to be fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.” Biden spent over two-and-a-half hours undergoing various medical tests during his annual check-up.
According to Dr. O’Connor, Biden “feels well,” and this year’s examination revealed no new health concerns. The report emphasized Biden’s overall health as that of a “healthy, active, robust, 81-year-old male.”
However, Biden’s age has been a subject of concern, particularly as he gears up for a potential reelection bid later this year. At 78, Biden became the oldest president inaugurated in 2021, and if reelected, he would be 86 upon leaving office.
Despite the positive assessment from his physician, a recent special counsel’s report raised questions about Biden’s memory regarding his handling of classified documents. The report described his memory as “hazy,” “fuzzy,” and “faulty,” highlighting significant limitations.
In response, Biden vehemently defended his memory, denying allegations of memory lapses, particularly regarding the death of his son Beau Biden in 2015.
The physical examination included an “extremely detailed neurologic exam,” which found no signs of conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. However, it did not include a cognitive test, a decision supported by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who stated that Biden’s physicians see no need for one.
Former President Donald Trump has been vocal about Biden’s age, often questioning his fitness for office. Trump, 77, has referred to Biden as old and unfit, setting the stage for potential clashes in the upcoming presidential race.
Despite the criticisms, Biden remains confident about his abilities, stating that he is a better choice than “the other guy” in reference to Trump. Notably, Trump has also faced scrutiny for verbal gaffes and memory lapses during his presidency, including misidentifying locations and leaders during public appearances.
As the presidential race heats up, Biden’s health and fitness for office are likely to remain topics of debate and contention among political adversaries and supporters alike.
