President Joe Biden visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for his annual physical exam, a crucial event as the 81-year-old president considers seeking reelection. Biden, already the oldest president in U.S. history, would be 86 by the end of a potential second term. Following his last physical in February 2023, doctors deemed Biden 'healthy, vigorous,' and fit for his White House duties.
Voters have expressed concerns about Biden's age, scrutinizing his gaffes, coughing, slow walking, and a recent bicycle tumble. The White House will release a written summary of the routine checkup later in the day.
Former President Donald Trump, 77, is a frontrunner for the Republican nomination, potentially setting up a November rematch against Biden. Trump, inaugurated at 70 in 2017, held the record as the oldest president until Biden's inauguration at 78 in 2021.
A recent special counsel's report raised questions about Biden's memory, citing it as 'hazy,' 'fuzzy,' and 'faulty.' Biden denied memory issues, stating his memory is fine despite the report's claims.
Memory and cognitive tests are not typically part of routine physicals. Biden's previous exams revealed a lesion removal from his chest, occasional coughing due to acid reflux, and a stiffened gait from spinal arthritis and neuropathy.
Biden began using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and had a colonoscopy in 2021, where a benign polyp was removed. Despite past health issues like brain aneurysms, subsequent exams showed no recurrences.
Public opinion on Biden seeking a second term is divided, with only 37% of Democrats supporting his reelection. Polls also show reluctance towards Trump, but both candidates are advancing in their party's nominations.
Biden has defended his age, claiming it brings wisdom and has criticized Trump for recent gaffes. Trump, too, has faced criticism for verbal mistakes, including misidentifying individuals and mispronunciations.
Trump's 2019 physical revealed weight gain, putting him in the obese category based on Body Mass Index. Recent primary results in Michigan show both candidates securing victories, with an 'uncommitted' campaign highlighting dissatisfaction with Biden's handling of certain issues.
