Today, we’re taking a dip into the ongoing discussion about President Joe Biden’s health and his commitment to the 2024 re-election campaign. This comes after the White House released a letter from Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, addressing concerns raised during a press briefing by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Earlier in the day, Jean-Pierre faced intense questioning regarding whether Dr. Kevin Cannard, a Parkinson’s disease specialist, was involved in treating the president. White House visitor logs showed that Dr. Cannard visited the White House eight times between last summer and this spring, sparking curiosity and speculation.
Jean-Pierre reassured reporters, stating, “Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s? No, he’s not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson’s? No.” However, she refused to confirm the specific visits by Dr. Cannard, citing security reasons, which led to a tense exchange with reporters.
In response to these concerns, the White House released a memo from Dr. O’Connor on Monday night. The memo clarified that Dr. Cannard has been the neurological specialist who examined President Biden during his annual physicals. Dr. O’Connor noted that Cannard has been the neurology consultant to the White House Medical Unit since 2012, regularly visiting to support the medical needs of active-duty members involved in White House operations. This includes addressing neurological issues that may arise due to their service.
Dr. O’Connor’s memo reiterated that the results of Biden’s neurological exams have been consistently reassuring, showing no signs of disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or ascending lateral sclerosis. This detailed explanation aimed to quell the concerns surrounding the president’s health and the nature of Dr. Cannard’s visits.
Despite these reassurances, the scrutiny over Biden’s health has intensified, especially after his poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Critics have called for Biden to step down from the race, but the president remains resolute. In a phone interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Biden stated, “I am not going anywhere. I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t absolutely believe that I am the best candidate to beat Donald Trump in 2024. We had a Democratic nominating process where the voters spoke clearly.”
Biden has been active in recent days, participating in interviews, campaign events, and reaching out to prominent Democrats and donors to solidify support. First Lady Jill Biden, who is considered influential in the president’s decision-making, echoed his message during a campaign stop in Wilmington, North Carolina, saying, “Joe has made it clear that he is all in. That’s the decision that he’s made, and just as he has always supported my career, I am all in too.”
While some House Democrats have voiced their desire for Biden to withdraw, many continue to back him, and no Senate Democrats have publicly called for his withdrawal. Among those advocating for a change in nominee is Washington Rep. Adam Smith, who stated, “We would be better off with another nominee. I believe that in my heart, my soul, my brain — I’m 100% convinced of that.”
A recent CBS News poll showed a slight shift in favor of former President Trump following the debate, giving him a 3-point edge over Biden in battleground states and a 2-point lead nationally.
