The White House said that President Joe Biden will receive his annual physical in the coming months, as questions about his viability as a political candidate linger ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not specify, nor was she asked, if Biden will take a cognitive exam.
Biden to receive physical
A reporter asked Karine Jean-Pierre to confirm whether the White House will release Biden’s latest medical records before he makes an announcement on his 2024 plans.
She dodged, insisting Biden is in “good health and maintains an active lifestyle,” while assuring reporters that the White House will “provide the information just as transparently as we did last — last year.”
In reality, Biden’s first White House physical last year did not include a cognitive exam, a glaring omission that raised eyebrows. The Biden-friendly media obligingly ignored it, however, and accepted an account from Biden’s doctor that described him as “vigorous” and fit for his duties.
Since Biden’s unusually low-key 2020 presidential campaign, a bizarre, unwritten rule has prevailed in mainstream media to ignore his obvious cognitive challenges, which have often left Biden mixed up and at a loss for words. In one notorious incident, Biden called out for a deceased lawmaker.
Republican including former White House doctor and congressman Ronnie Jackson (TX) have called on Biden to take a cognitive test.
Cover-up
While Biden’s spirits have been lifted by his party’s better-than-expected performance in the midterm elections, Democrats remain cool to Biden running for re-election. CNN reports that half of Democrats in Congress don’t want the aging, unpopular president to run in 2024.
Biden, who turned 80 on Sunday, hasn’t said clearly whether he plans to run again, but he has acknowledged that “fate” may intervene.
It can’t hurt Biden that the state-run media are continuing to suppress speculation about his health.
Only months ago, the New York Times gingerly broached the topic of Biden’s fitness as his party’s electoral prospects appeared to be darkening. But in a recent puff piece on his 80th birthday, the paper dismissed health concerns, citing “experts” on aging.
“Mr. Biden did not undergo cognitive screening during his last physical, and experts are divided about its necessity for older adults,” the article read.