U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled for his annual physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Wednesday, a routine event that is drawing significant attention given his age and the upcoming presidential election. At 81 years old, Biden is already the oldest president in U.S. history, and speculation about his health has been fueled by concerns raised during his tenure, including gaffes, instances of coughing, and a publicized fall from his bicycle.
Despite previous assessments declaring him “healthy, vigorous,” and “fit” following his last physical in February 2023, questions about Biden’s age and cognitive abilities persist among voters. Former President Donald Trump, at 77, is positioning himself as the likely Republican nominee, setting the stage for a potential November rematch.
While Biden’s recent physicals have highlighted some health issues, such as a lesion removal and a benign polyp discovered during a colonoscopy, concerns about his cognitive health have been underscored by a recent special counsel’s report critiquing his memory. However, Biden has adamantly defended his cognitive abilities, dismissing suggestions of memory lapses.
The public scrutiny of Biden’s health underscores broader reservations about his potential bid for a second term, with polls indicating declining support among Democrats for his reelection. Despite Biden’s assertion that age brings wisdom, doubts persist about his ability to lead effectively, particularly in comparison to his political opponents.
Notably, both Biden and Trump have faced criticism for verbal miscues and confusion, underscoring the contentious nature of the upcoming election and the challenges each candidate faces in winning over voters.
While Biden secured a decisive victory in Michigan’s Democratic primary, an “uncommitted” campaign organized by disillusioned activists has raised concerns for his reelection campaign, surpassing the margin by which Trump won the state in 2016. This unexpected development poses a potential setback for Biden as he navigates his path to reelection amidst ongoing scrutiny of his health and fitness for office.
Biden Remains Fit for Duty, Doctor Declares Following Annual Physical
Many Americans, including Democrats, have expressed reservations about Biden seeking a second term during this fall’s election. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should pursue reelection, down from 52% before the 2022 midterm elections, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
