With increasing pressure from fellow Democrats to reconsider his re-election campaign, US President Joe Biden has shown a willingness to undergo a neurological exam to address concerns about his mental fitness for office, contingent upon his doctors’ recommendations, CNN reported.
In a rare solo news conference at the conclusion of the NATO Summit, Biden stated, “I am not opposed, if my doctors tell me I should have another neurological exam, I’ll do it.” He further explained, “Every single day I’m surrounded by good docs. If they think there’s a problem, I promise you – or even if they don’t think it’s a problem and think I should have a neurologic exam again, I’ll do it. No one’s suggesting that right now,” as per CNN.
Biden expressed frustration over the persistent concerns about his age, lamenting, “No matter what I did, no one’s gonna be satisfied.” He mentioned that he has undergone three brain health checks while in office, the most recent one occurring in February. “I’m tested every single day on my neurological capacity – the decisions I make every day,” he said, emphasizing that age brings wisdom.
During the news conference, Biden reiterated his commitment to staying in the race, acknowledging the need to address the concerns of detractors and voters worried about his fitness for office following a lackluster debate performance. “I’m determined on running, but I think it’s important that I allay fears by seeing — letting them see me out there,” Biden said.
He highlighted his active travel schedule since the debate, mentioning “over 20 major events, from Wisconsin and North Carolina,” and stressed his efforts to engage with people across the country. “I’m going to be going around making the case of the things that I think we have to finish and how we can’t afford to lose what we’ve done,” he said, referring to the initiatives under his administration.
Despite the CNN debate with former US President Donald Trump on June 28, and the subsequent calls for him to step down from the presidential race, Biden declared his intention to continue, expressing confidence in his ability to defeat Trump.
On July 8, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries organized a leadership call where several top House Democrats urged President Joe Biden to reconsider his 2024 campaign, voicing concerns about his impact on the Democratic Party’s chances in the upcoming elections.