Following President Joe Biden's lackluster performance at the recent presidential debate, questions have arisen regarding his age, health, and fitness to lead the nation. The administration attributed his confused responses during the debate to a head cold, jet lag, and inadequate preparation.
At 81 years old, concerns about Biden's health have become a focal point for many voters leading up to the upcoming election. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed inquiries about the president's health during a recent news briefing.
According to Jean-Pierre, President Biden undergoes extensive yearly physical examinations, which are conducted just steps away from the White House residence. She mentioned that the president has regular verbal check-ins with his doctor while exercising a couple of times a week.
Regarding visits to a neurologist, Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden has seen a neurologist three times, all in conjunction with his annual physical exams. However, she did not disclose the location of these visits.
Recent doctor's reports, including one issued in February after Biden's last physical exam, have not indicated any signs of Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions. The reports highlighted that Biden's neurologic exams have been reassuring, with no findings consistent with serious conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis.
Visitor logs revealed that a neurologist specializing in Parkinson's, Dr. Kevin Cannard, made multiple visits to the White House between July 2023 and March of this year. Jean-Pierre cited security reasons for not confirming the doctor's name or the purpose of his visits, emphasizing that the White House medical unit serves a wide range of individuals.
When asked about the possibility of releasing Biden's full medical records, Jean-Pierre noted that the president had already shared a comprehensive medical report, comparable to what past presidents like Barack Obama and George W. Bush had provided. She mentioned that Senator John McCain had allowed reporters to review over 1,100 pages of his medical records during his presidential campaign in 2008.
