US President Joe Biden underwent his final annual medical examination before November’s election, igniting increased scrutiny over the 81-year-old’s health and mental sharpness for a potential second term.
The White House announced that a summary of Biden’s test results from the Walter Reed military medical facility near Washington would be released later in the day. The outcome will be eagerly awaited for insights into the health of America’s oldest-ever leader.
Biden, set for a potential rematch with 77-year-old former president Donald Trump in November’s election, traveled via helicopter to the medical center, a routine practice for US presidents.
“I’m heading to Walter Reed for my physical,” Biden informed reporters as he departed the White House amid their inquiries.
Concerns among voters have risen regarding the age of a leader who would turn 86 by the end of a prospective second term. The issue gained prominence after a recent special counsel report portrayed Biden as aged and forgetful, providing ammunition to his Republican adversaries.
Although cleared of unlawfully retaining classified documents, the report characterized him as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” potentially influencing a jury’s perception.
Biden defended himself vigorously in a White House press conference, asserting that his memory remained intact and criticizing the special counsel’s claims about his recollection of his son Beau’s passing due to cancer.
However, Biden took a lighter approach this week, aiming to shift focus onto his septuagenarian rival Trump. In an interview with late-night TV host Seth Meyers, he subtly contrasted himself with “the other guy,” implying Trump’s lesser fitness despite being only a few years younger.
In last year’s medical examination, Biden received a clean bill of health, although he underwent the removal of a cancerous skin lesion from his chest.
His doctor, Kevin O’Connor, described Biden as a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male” fit to fulfill his presidential duties.
Trump frequently portrays Biden as feeble and unfit for office, despite Trump himself being 77 and facing scrutiny over verbal slips and memory lapses.
Late last year, Trump’s doctor issued a note declaring him in “excellent” health, albeit lacking detailed information about his medical tests and cognitive exams.
