- Bernd Debusmann Jr
- BBC reporter from the White House
July 9, 2024
The White House responded to questions regarding Joe Biden’s mental health. The US President urged anxious Democrats to either challenge him or unite behind his candidacy.
In an unusual move, Biden, 81, told a cable news show, “I’m not going anywhere.”
At a tense press conference that followed, the president’s spokesman denied suggestions that he might have an undisclosed illness.
Questions regarding Biden’s mental acuity have intensified since his poor performance in the June 27 debate with Trump.
He will host a summit of NATO leaders in Washington this week, and the focus on him is unlikely to diminish.
At a regular press conference on Monday followingnoon, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre denied speculation that Biden was being treated for Parkinson’s disease, which can cause stiff movements and slurred speech.
image caption:White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre denied that Biden was receiving treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
She said: “Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s disease? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s disease? No.”
She was responding to questions regarding a New York Times report that a Parkinson’s disease specialist had visited the White House eight times since last year.
Biden’s doctors wrote in a letter late Monday that the specialist, Kevin Cannard, has served as a neurologist to the White House since 2012, helping “thousands of active duty military personnel who support White House operations.”
The president’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, also said Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical, and that he is examined by different specialists every year.
He pointed out that Biden’s last physical examination was in February of this year, which was “very detailed” and “did not find anything consistent with cerebellar or other central nervous system disorders.”
Appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday morning, Biden told critics they might “challenge me at the convention” next month or support him once morest Trump.
In addition, he sent an open letter to congressional Democrats, saying that “if I don’t absolutely believe” that he can defeat the Republican challenger in the November election, “I will not run once more.”
Biden said in the letter that Democratic voters participating in the primary election “spoke clearly and decisively” that he should be the party’s nominee.
He also said that he “hears everyone’s concerns” and “will not turn a blind eye.” However, Democratic voters have “clearly and unequivocally” stated that he is the party’s candidate in the primary election.
“Are we now going to say this process doesn’t matter? The voters had no say … I refuse to do that. If we ignore democracy in our own party, how can we uphold democracy in this country? I can’t do that. I won’t do that.”
Biden held a conference call with Democratic donors on Monday, and CBS News quoted sources as saying that Biden said he would adopt an “attack, attack, attack” strategy in the second debate with Trump in September.
Several congressional Democrats had called on Biden to drop out of the race, but later on Monday some in the party began to support the embattled president.
“This matter is over,” New York leftist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told reporters. “Biden is our nominee … He’s not dropping out of this race. He’s in this race and I support him.”
Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Maxine Waters of California and Frank Pallone of New Jersey also endorsed Biden.
Earlier in the day, Adam Smith of Washington state became the sixth member of Congress to publicly call on Biden to withdraw. He said in a statement, “The American people have made it clear that they do not view him as a credible candidate to serve another four years as president.”
According to US media reports, House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a group conference call on Sunday, and several members of Congress explicitly urged Biden to step down.
They include Jerry Nadler of New York, Mark Takano of California, Joe Morelle of New York and Jim Himes of Connecticut.
Last week, Lloyd Doggett of Texas became the first Democrat in Congress to urge Biden to step aside.
Trump, 78, mocked Biden during the debate, describing him as a “meltdown.” Biden’s allies have expressed outrage at the media criticism he has faced following his recent conviction in a hush-money case in New York.
image caption:Some people within the Democratic Party support Vice President Kamala Harris to run in place of Biden.
As speculation grows regarding Biden’s candidacy in November, some Democrats are beginning to consider who might succeed him.
Some party insiders support Vice President Kamala Harris, who is Biden’s running mate.
Trump said the vice president would be “much better” than Biden but still “pathetic.”
In two interviews last week, Biden acknowledged that he “blew it” during the debate but then vowed that only “God Almighty” might convince him to give up the race.
Biden’s Mental Health Questions: A Tense Situation in the 2024 US Presidential Election
The 2024 US presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most contentious in history, with the incumbent Joe Biden facing a formidable challenge from former President Donald Trump. One of the most prominent storylines surrounding this election is the issue of Biden’s mental health, a subject that has intensified following his perceived poor performance in the June 27 debate once morest Trump.
Biden’s Words and Actions Amidst Growing Concerns
In a somewhat unusual move, Biden, 81, asserted his intention to stay in the race, stating to a cable news show: “I’m not going anywhere.” While this statement is a clear message of his determination, it also reflects the anxiety within the Democratic party and the uncertainty surrounding his candidacy. This sentiment was further amplified by his spokesman’s vocal refutation of suggestions that Biden might be dealing with an undisclosed medical condition.
The White House has been on the defensive as questions regarding Biden’s cognitive abilities have grown louder. These concerns stem from various instances, including apparent missteps during public appearances, and the general perception of his age and potential impact on his ability to lead effectively.
The president’s response to these concerns has been multifaceted. While at times showing frustration and defiance, Biden has also sought to reassure his supporters, stating that “if I don’t absolutely believe” that he can beat Trump in November, “I will not run once more.” He also emphasized that he “hears everyone’s concerns” and “will not turn a blind eye.” However, he has remained resolute in his stance, emphasizing that he has the backing of Democratic voters.
Debunking Parkinson’s Rumors
The media spotlight has been particularly focused on the potential link between Biden and Parkinson’s disease. A New York Times report indicated that a Parkinson’s disease specialist visited the White House eight times since last year. This sparked widespread speculation, leading to a direct denial from White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, who firmly stated: “Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s disease? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s disease? No.”
Further clarification came from Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, who confirmed that the specialist, Kevin Cannard, had served as a neurologist to White House staff since 2012, providing care to “thousands of active duty military personnel who support White House operations.” Additionally, Dr. O’Connor emphasized that Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical, and that he undergoes comprehensive examinations by various specialists every year.
Dr. O’Connor also pointed to Biden’s last physical examination in February, which he described as “very detailed” and ultimately “did not find anything consistent with cerebellar or other central nervous system disorders.”
Democratic Unity and a Call for Action
Biden’s comments and the White House’s statements have served to highlight the internal divisions within the Democratic Party. While Biden seeks to rally his supporters around his candidacy, there is a substantial contingent within the party who are openly questioning his fitness for office. This dissent has found voice in various public statements and actions, including the vocal push for Biden to step aside.
Many Democrats are grappling with the delicate balance of supporting their nominee while expressing concerns regarding his ability to navigate the upcoming campaign and, if elected, the presidency. This internal conflict is reflected in the diverse range of reactions to Biden’s statements and actions.
While some, like New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have come out in support of Biden, emphasizing that he is “our nominee” and that “He’s in this race and I support him,” others have been more critical.
Adam Smith of Washington state, for example, was one of six members of Congress who publicly called for Biden to withdraw, citing the “American people” as having made it clear that they “do not view him as a credible candidate to serve another four years as president.”
Biden’s Strategy and the Shifting Political Landscape
Despite the criticism and calls for withdrawal, Biden appears determined to soldier on. He has, however, acknowledged the need for a more aggressive approach in the upcoming election. According to CBS News, Biden told Democratic donors that he plans to adopt an “attack, attack, attack” strategy in the second debate once morest Trump in September.
This shift in strategy suggests that Biden is aware of the need to address the growing doubts surrounding his candidacy and to project a more forceful and assertive image. This strategy may also serve to counter the perceived momentum that Trump has had following his recent conviction in a hush-money case in New York. The conviction, while raising serious questions regarding Trump’s behavior, appears not to have significantly affected his support among his base.
The emerging debate surrounding Biden’s mental health and his ability to lead is a crucial element in understanding the 2024 US presidential election. The situation presents a complex set of challenges for the Democratic Party, raising questions regarding unity, leadership, and the ability to effectively challenge a seemingly undeterred Donald Trump.
The Shifting Democratic Landscape and Potential Replacements
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Biden’s candidacy, the question of who might replace him in the race has become increasingly relevant. With the Democratic National Convention scheduled for August, there is a sense that the party is on the verge of a major decision.
While the focus has largely been on Biden, there is growing speculation regarding the potential for a new candidate to emerge. Some prominent figures within the party are actively considering their options, with Vice President Kamala Harris being seen as a likely contender. Harris, although a vocal supporter of Biden, has also positioned herself as a potential successor, representing a younger generation of Democratic leaders.
While it remains unclear whether any significant shift in the Democratic landscape will occur before the convention, the current situation is a testament to the fluidity and unpredictability of the 2024 presidential election. The race is shaping up to be not just a battle of ideologies but also a contest of personalities, strategies, and the evolving political landscapes of both parties.
