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In a recent revelation, Chris Whipple, biographer of President Joe Biden, disclosed on CNN that one of Biden’s “closest friends” has advocated for the president to undergo a “complete neurological exam” and make the results public. This suggestion comes amidst growing concerns over Biden’s mental acuity, particularly following his lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump.
“I will tell you that one of the president’s closest friends thinks that Joe Biden should go up to Walter Reed, have a complete neurological exam, release the results, and let the chips fall,” Whipple stated during the interview.
Whipple clarified that while this recommendation hasn’t been directly conveyed to Biden, it represents a significant viewpoint within his inner circle. He emphasized that despite assertions from Biden’s allies about his cognitive fitness, worries have intensified since the debate debacle and subsequent criticisms.
The June 27 debate has spurred calls from senior Democrats for Biden, now 81 years old, to consider stepping aside due to concerns over his age potentially affecting the party’s prospects in the 2024 election.
Addressing the scrutiny surrounding Biden’s health, Whipple suggested that while some anxieties may be unfounded, the meticulously controlled nature of Biden’s engagements and the White House’s approach to managing his public appearances have fueled speculations.
Describing Biden’s administration as the most “scripted White House in modern history,” Whipple underscored the careful planning behind Biden’s interactions and public statements.
Following the debate, Biden’s performance, characterized by confused and at times unclear responses, was attributed by administration officials to factors like a head cold, jet lag, and inadequate preparation at Camp David.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, recently issued his first statement since the debate, addressing concerns about the president’s health. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced challenges addressing questions about Biden’s condition during a recent press briefing.
Despite these concerns, Biden continues to engage with various stakeholders, including an upcoming meeting with the executive council of the AFL-CIO, America’s largest federation of trade unions. The unions, while generally supportive of the Biden administration, have also hinted at flexibility should Biden decide to step aside, affirming their backing for the Biden-Harris administration as a whole.
As the debate over Biden’s health and ability to lead persists, calls for transparency regarding his medical condition are likely to influence the public discourse leading up to the upcoming election.
