It was a particularly awaited medical visit. Joe Biden, who at 80 does not hide his re-election ambitions, is “in good health”, “vigorous” and “fit” to fulfill his duties, his doctor concluded on Thursday.
The practitioner Kevin O’Connor, who has been following him for more than a decade, conducted a series of examinations, including in particular “an extremely detailed neurological examination”, according to the report released Thursday by the White House. He notes that a “lesion” was taken from the president’s chest and will be biopsied. But for the rest, Joe Biden, the oldest president in American history, has only minor ailments, treated with three prescription drugs, detailed the doctor.
Exercise five times a week
The Democrat is thus being treated for “non-valvular atrial fibrillation”, a heart condition which is “stable” following treatment; high blood lipids also successfully corrected by treatment, and allergies. The practitioner also assures that two problems noted during the last examination in November 2021, namely a stiff gait and a frequent cough linked to gastroesophageal reflux, are “stable”.
For the rest, no change either: the President of the United States measures 1m83 for 81 kilos, wears contact lenses, does not smoke or drink, and plays sports five times a week.
Imminent decision for the presidential
Joe Biden, despite lackluster polls, has been repeating for some time that he “intends” to run, and therefore perhaps face his predecessor Donald Trump, already officially in the race. But he assured, just a few days ago, that he had not made a “final” decision.
On November 19, 2021, the Democrat, who also wants this transparency on his health to distinguish himself from the former Republican president, had already submitted to a complete examination. Joe Biden had undergone a colonoscopy that day, under general anesthesia. He had transferred his powers for an hour and twenty-five minutes to Vice President Kamala Harris, who briefly became the first woman to hold presidential prerogatives in the history of the United States. Since the exam was normal, there was no need to do it once more this year, the White House said.
Tests d’aptitude
Joe Biden has had no major health concerns since brain surgery in 1988. He tested positive for Covid-19 last July without showing any serious form of the disease or showing symptoms of Covid. long.
The American president has so far shown an endurance unusual for his age, linking public interventions and trips. But his age is a frequent angle of attack from the Republican opposition. Some opponents of the president even assure that he would no longer have all his head, 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 race for 2024, called on Wednesday for intellectual aptitude tests for any elected official over 75. This would also apply to Donald Trump, 76, whom she challenges with her candidacy.
The former UN ambassador hopes to capitalize on a desire for renewal among the American electorate, which according to polls does not want a second term for Biden more than a new Trump presidency. If he does, Joe Biden will face both the rigors of an election campaign and the demands of his office.