The oldest president in American history underwent a series of examinations, most notably “an extremely detailed neurological examination”.
By Le Figaro with AFP
Published 2/16/2023 at 11:46 PM, updated 2/17/2023 at 12:43 AM
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US President Joe Biden. KEVIN LAMARQUE/ Portal
US President Joe Biden at 80 is “in good health,” “vigorous” and “fit” to perform his duties, according to the medical report prepared by his doctor and released on Thursday, February 16 released by the White House. The practitioner, who has conducted a series of examinations, most notably “an extremely detailed neurological examination,” merely notes that a “lesion” has been removed from the President’s chest and is being biopsied.
But apart from that, Joe Biden, the oldest president in American history, only has mild ailments that are treated with three prescription drugs, the doctor explained. The Democrat is therefore being treated for “non-valvular atrial fibrillation”, a “stable” heart disease after treatment, a high blood lipid level that has also been successfully corrected by the treatment, and allergies.
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Exercise five times a week
The doctor also assures that two problems identified at the last examination in November 2021, namely a stiff gait and a frequent cough associated with gastroesophageal reflux, are “stable”. No other changes either: The President of the United States is 1.83 meters tall, weighs 81 kilos, wears contact lenses, does not smoke or drink and does sports five times a week. This document was obviously eagerly awaited. Joe Biden, despite lackluster polls, has been repeating for some time that he “intends” to run and therefore perhaps face his predecessor Donald Trump, who is already officially in the running. But he assured a few days ago that he had not yet made a “final” decision.
On November 19, 2021, the Democrat, who also wants to use this transparency to differentiate himself from the former Republican President in terms of his health, had already undergone a complete examination. Joe Biden had a colonoscopy under general anesthesia that day. He had delegated his powers to Vice President Kamala Harris for an hour and twenty-five minutes, who briefly became the first woman to hold presidential privileges in United States history. Because the exam went normally, there was no need to take it again this year, the White House said.
A common attack angle
Joe Biden has not had any major health concerns since having brain surgery in 1988. The American President has so far shown an unusual level of perseverance for his age, combining public interventions and travel. But his age is a common target of Republican opposition. Some of the president’s opponents even claim that given moments of confusion and his slurred speech, he would no longer keep his whole head.
Nikki Haley, a 51-year-old Republican who has just entered the 2024 race, on Wednesday called for intellectual aptitude tests for all elected officials over 75. That would include Donald Trump, 76, whom she is challenging with her candidacy . The former UN ambassador hopes to capitalize on the renewal spirit of the American electorate, who, according to polls, want a second Biden term no more than a new Trump presidency. If he does, Joe Biden will face both the rigors of campaigning and the demands of office. So far, he has answered questions about his age with jokes or with this pirouette: “Watch me at work!”.