It was a particularly anticipated doctor’s visit. Joe Biden, who at the age of 80 does not hide his re-election ambitions, is “in good health”, “strong” and “fit” to carry out his duties, his doctor concluded on Thursday.
Practitioner Kevin O’Connor, who has been with him for more than a decade, conducted a series of exams, most notably “an extremely detailed neurological exam,” according to the report released by the White House on Thursday. He notes that a “lesion” has been removed from the President’s chest and is being biopsied. But apart from that, Joe Biden, the oldest president in American history, only has mild ailments that are treated with three prescription drugs, the doctor explained.
Exercise five times a week
The Democrat is therefore being treated for “non-valvular atrial fibrillation,” a heart condition that is “stable” after treatment; high blood lipids, which are also successfully corrected with treatment, and allergies. The doctor also assures that two problems identified at the last examination in November 2021, namely a stiff gait and a frequent cough associated with gastroesophageal reflux, are “stable”.
Otherwise no change: The President of the United States measures 1.83 m and weighs 81 kilos, wears contact lenses, does not smoke or drink and does sports five times a week.
Upcoming decision for the presidency
Joe Biden, despite lackluster polls, has been repeating for some time that he “intends” to run and therefore perhaps face his predecessor Donald Trump, who is already officially in the running. But he assured a few days ago that he had not yet made a “final” decision.
On November 19, 2021, the Democrat, who also wants to use this transparency to differentiate himself from the former Republican President in terms of his health, had already undergone a complete examination. Joe Biden had a colonoscopy under general anesthesia that day. He had delegated his powers to Vice President Kamala Harris for an hour and twenty-five minutes, who briefly became the first woman to hold presidential privileges in United States history. Because the exam went normally, there was no need to take it again this year, the White House said.
aptitude tests
Joe Biden has not had any major health concerns since having brain surgery in 1988.
The American President has so far shown an unusual level of perseverance for his age, combining public interventions and travel. But his age is a common target of Republican opposition. Some opponents of the president even assert that he would no longer keep his head full, given certain moments when he seems lost and his slurred speech, partly due to his stutter.
Nikki Haley, a 51-year-old Republican who has just entered the 2024 race, on Wednesday called for intellectual aptitude tests for all elected officials over 75. That would include Donald Trump, 76, whom she is challenging with her candidacy .
The former UN ambassador hopes to capitalize on the renewal spirit of the American electorate, who, according to polls, want a second Biden term no more than a new Trump presidency. If he does, Joe Biden will face both the rigors of campaigning and the demands of office.