February 29th 2024.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden underwent his annual physical exam, which lasted a lengthy two and a half hours. This was no surprise to the public, as it is customary for presidents to undergo these check-ups. However, given concerns about his age and fitness, Biden's physical exam seemed to carry a bit more weight this year.
As he emerged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Biden couldn't resist making a lighthearted joke about the results. "Looks like the doctors think I look too young," he quipped, causing a few chuckles from the reporters present. Later, at a separate event discussing strategies for reducing crime in the US, Biden reassured everyone that he was in good health. "I'm alright," he stated confidently. "Everything is squared away. There's nothing different from last year."
Accompanied by his physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Biden made his way to the medical center from the White House in Washington, DC. While there, he underwent a series of tests, but notably absent was a cognitive exam. This omission may have raised eyebrows, as some Republicans have been calling for Biden to take one in light of a few gaffes and stumbles he has made in the past.
In a detailed six-page memo, Dr. O'Connor declared that the president "continues to be fit for duty" and described him as a "healthy, active, robust, 81-year-old male". He also stated that Biden is fully capable of carrying out his duties as commander-in-chief. These reassuring words were echoed by Biden himself as he spoke to law enforcement officials in the State Dining Room after his physical.
This was not the first time that Dr. O'Connor has given Biden a clean bill of health. In fact, his physical results were similar to those from his examination last year, which deemed him "healthy", "vigorous", and "fit". Clearly, the president takes his health seriously and maintains a good level of fitness.
Despite these positive physical results, a recent poll by ABC News/Ipsos found that a vast majority of Americans, 86%, believe that Biden is too old to serve another term as president. This may have been fueled by a special counsel's report that was released just a few days before the poll, which chose not to pursue charges against Biden for retaining classified documents. The report cited his "elderly" age and "poor memory" as reasons for this decision.
In light of all this, the fact that Biden did not take a cognitive test may seem surprising. However, White House press secretary Karrine Jean-Pierre dismissed the need for one during a press briefing on Wednesday. "His doctor, including the neurologist, do not believe that he needs one," she stated firmly. "Folks need to understand that the president passes a cognitive test every day!" With that statement, Jean-Pierre made it clear that Biden is still sharp and fully capable of fulfilling his duties as president.
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