President Joe Biden has embarked on his annual physical examination at Walter Reed, addressing concerns about his fitness for a potential second term. As the oldest president in history, Biden’s health has been a constant speculation, with voters questioning his ability to serve effectively at age 81.
Accompanied by a swarm of reporters, President Biden informed the press that he was going to Walter Reed for his physical examination. The White House has assured the public that the results will be released later in the day, providing transparency regarding the president’s health.
Public opinion polls have consistently shown skepticism among Americans regarding Biden’s capacity to fulfill the duties of a second term, which would extend into his 86th year. However, during last year’s examination, White House physician Kevin O’Connor attested to Biden’s fitness for duty, describing him as “healthy” and “vigorous” despite some stiffness in his gait.
President Biden engages in a daily 45-minute workout with a physical therapist to maintain his physical well-being. The focus of these sessions is on balance exercises, which help prevent falls and address the stiffness in his gait. Furthermore, previous examinations included comprehensive neurological assessments, which revealed no signs of cerebellar or central neurological disorders.
Besides physical health, Biden’s mental competency has also become a subject of political discussion. The recent release of a report by Special Counsel Robert Hur, appointed by former President Donald Trump, raised questions about the president’s memory and faculties. In response, Biden held an impromptu press conference, vehemently defending his mental acuity and pointing to his accomplishments since office.
However, during the press conference, Biden inadvertently made a gaffe, referring to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico.” This slip-up prompted calls from Rep. Ronny Jackson, the former White House doctor for President Obama and Donald Trump, for Biden to undergo a cognitive examination.
In addition to concerns about his mental faculties, Biden has also experienced physical mishaps, including falling off his bike in June 2022 and tripping over a sandbag during a commencement ceremony in June 2023. On several occasions, he has also stumbled while ascending the stairs of Air Force One.
As the president undergoes his annual physical examination, the results will provide crucial insights into his health and address concerns raised by voters. The outcome of this examination will shed light on President Biden’s ability to continue effectively serving the nation, ensuring transparency and instilling confidence in his leadership.
