President Joe Biden will undergo his yearly physical exam, but the White House has suggested that he will not be taking a cognitive test as part of the examination. This news comes amidst widespread skepticism from the public regarding the president’s mental fitness to serve a second term.
Last week, Special Counsel Robert Hur released a statement concluding his investigation into Biden’s handling of classified material. While no criminal charges were warranted, Hur did mention that the president would likely present himself to a jury as an “elderly man with a poor memory.”
During the White House press briefing on Monday, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that President Biden will indeed have his yearly physical exam. However, she was unclear about the timeline for the exam. When asked if a cognitive test would be part of the physical, Jean-Pierre stated that Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, believes that the president demonstrates his cognitive abilities daily through his interactions with world leaders and decision-making on behalf of the American people in both domestic and national security matters.
The decision not to include a cognitive test in President Biden’s physical has sparked concern among the public, with 86% of Americans believing that he is too old to serve a second term and 76% expressing worries about his mental fitness. These statistics, coupled with the recent investigation into his handling of classified material, have only added to the ongoing debate surrounding Biden’s capacity to lead the country.
The issue of mental and cognitive fitness has been a topic of discussion since the 2020 presidential campaign, with opponents questioning Biden’s ability to handle the demands of the presidency at his advanced age.
In response, the president has repeatedly assured the public that he is fit to serve and has not shown any signs of cognitive decline. However, his decision not to take a cognitive test as part of his physical exam has only raised further doubts and speculation.
The White House’s justification for not administering a cognitive test to President Biden is in line with their previous statements about his mental capacity. They have consistently pointed to his daily responsibilities and decision-making as evidence of his cognitive abilities. However, their refusal to consider a cognitive test as a measure of his mental fitness has left many wondering if they are avoiding an issue that could potentially harm the president’s image.
Some experts believe that a cognitive test could provide valuable information about the president’s mental health and alleviate concerns about his fitness to lead. However, others argue that the results of such a test would be subject to interpretation and could potentially be used by political opponents to undermine Biden’s credibility. Nonetheless, the public’s concerns about the president’s age and mental health highlight the importance of transparency and reassurance from the White House.
President Biden, who is the oldest person to assume the presidency at 78, has stated that he intends to run for a second term in 2024. However, given the public’s doubts about his mental fitness and the White House’s avoidance of a cognitive test, it remains to be seen if he will be able to garner support for another term. As the president continues to carry out his duties, the question of his cognitive abilities will likely remain a topic of discussion among the American people.
REPORTER: “Any updates on when the president’s physical might be taking place?”
KJP: “He will have a physical. When we have information on that, we’ll certainly share that with you. We’ll be transparent.”
REPORTER: What about a cognitive exam?
KJP: “The president proves… pic.twitter.com/4GZr4inA2H
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 12, 2024
