As President Joe Biden makes his way to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for his annual physical exam, the nation’s eyes are keenly focused on the health of the 81-year-old commander-in-chief. With the president’s intent to seek reelection, the outcome of this medical evaluation carries significant weight, not just for Mr. Biden, but for the political landscape of the United States.
Mr. Biden, who has already etched his name in history as the oldest president in U.S. office, could be 86 by the end of a second term. His previous physical in February 2023 concluded with doctors affirming his “healthy, vigorous” condition and capability to fulfill presidential duties. Despite this, the president’s age has not escaped public scrutiny, with voters examining his every misstep, from verbal gaffes to physical tumbles.
The president’s age has become a focal point in the upcoming election, with a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealing only 37% of Democrats endorse his bid for a second term, a notable decline from 52% prior to the 2022 midterm elections. This sentiment is not isolated to the Democratic base; similar hesitations are mirrored in the Republican camp regarding former President Donald Trump, who is also advancing in age.
The health of a president is always a matter of public interest, but for Mr. Biden, the stakes are higher. His last physical reported the removal of a chest lesion and attributed his coughing to acid reflux and his stiff gait to a combination of spinal arthritis, a past foot fracture, and neuropathy. Notably, Mr. Biden’s history includes a 1988 surgery for two brain aneurysms, but no recurrences have been reported since a 2014 examination.
The White House has announced that a summary of the physical exam results will be released, maintaining a tradition of transparency regarding the president’s health. However, it’s worth noting that presidential physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor has not been permitted to field questions from journalists on the topic, a departure from historical precedent.
Amidst the backdrop of a special counsel’s report questioning Mr. Biden’s memory and a series of polls indicating voter concern over his age, the president has attempted to shift focus to his potential rival, Mr. Trump, highlighting his own gaffes. Mr. Biden’s age, he suggests, brings wisdom, contrasting it with Mr. Trump’s misstatements.
As the nation awaits the results of President Biden’s physical, the implications extend beyond the immediate health assessment. They touch upon the broader discourse of age, capability, and leadership in American politics. The outcome may well influence the trajectory of the upcoming election and shape the narrative around the presidency in the months to come.
Related posts:
Biden getting annual physical exam, with summary expected later today
Biden makes unexpected trip to Walter Reed for ‘physical’ as mental fitness speculation mounts
Biden is having his annual physical. The results will be closely watched amid his reelection bid
