Biden's Health Check Amid Age Controversy... "Looks Too Young, Worrying"

U.S. President Joe Biden, who is 81 years old this year and seeking re-election, underwent a routine health checkup on the 28th (local time) and once again emphasized that there are no issues with his ability to perform his duties. This proactive response came as concerns about age-related risks resurfaced following a special prosecutor's report raising questions about his memory.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to AFP and other outlets, President Biden underwent the health examination at the Walter Reed Military Medical Center on the day. Immediately afterward, when asked by reporters at the White House about the results, he said, "They (the medical staff) think I look too young," adding, "Nothing has changed since last year. Everything is good."

White House physician Kevin O'Connor also released a six-page memo stating that "President Biden is fit for duty." He explained, "The president's health is good, and no new concerns were identified in this year's examination." It was confirmed that President Biden is currently taking three types of prescription medications and three types of over-the-counter drugs. There were almost no changes in his physical exam results, including height (1.82m) and weight (80.7kg). The examination was conducted by a team of 20 doctors.

However, the cognitive function test was not included in this health checkup. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "The doctors did not see it as necessary," emphasizing that President Biden passes cognitive tests daily while handling various domestic and international political issues.

This examination took place amid ongoing debates about President Biden's age as he prepares for the November election. Age is considered the biggest vulnerability of Biden, the oldest sitting president in history. A recent ABC-Ipsos poll released this month showed that 86% of respondents believe President Biden is too old to be re-elected.

In particular, the controversy has intensified recently after it was confirmed that the special prosecutor Robert Hur's report, investigating allegations of classified document leaks and illegal possession during Biden's vice presidency, mentioned concerns about cognitive decline due to age. The report included statements such as "memory is poor."

However, President Biden has actively responded to the recent age-related controversy, including during an appearance on NBC's Late Night Show aired the previous day, where he retorted about former President Trump, saying, "He is as old as I am." Biden said, "He is roughly my age, but he cannot remember his wife's name," adding, "What matters is how old a person's mind is." Former President Trump, who is four years younger than Biden, was recently reported to have mistakenly called his wife Melania by the wrong name at a conservative group event.

AFP reported that former President Trump, who frequently attacks President Biden as frail, released a physician's note at the end of last year stating that his health was excellent, but it did not include detailed information such as height, weight, cholesterol levels, or blood pressure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.