By Ellie Shube and George Barron*
As the leader of the free world, the health and mental acuity of the President of the United States are of paramount importance. However, a series of public incidents during Joe Biden’s term raised global concerns about his suitability for office. Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s personal physician, was at the center of this unfolding narrative, tasked with the critical responsibility of assessing and reporting on the President’s health.
The Obvious Decline:
President Biden’s physical and mental deterioration was evident from the beginning. On multiple occasions, Biden seemed disoriented, had trouble speaking, and walked with a noticeably rigid pace. Here are a few eye-catching instances:
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During a 2021 press conference, Biden mistakenly referred to the President of Egypt as the President of Mexico, showcasing a lapse in memory.
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His performance in the June 27, 2024 presidential debate was widely panned, with observers noting his “confused rambling” and “halting speech,” leading to calls for detailed cognitive testing.
On June 24 2024, CNN reports on concerns over Biden’s age and behavior.
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International leaders and pundits, from allies to critics, have commented on Biden’s health, with some making light of his evident struggles while others expressed genuine concern.
The Press’s Role:
These instances were quickly brought to light by the conservative media, which frequently framed them in terms of Biden’s leadership skills. However, whether because of their political affiliations or because criticizing the health of a sitting president is delicate, the mainstream American legacy press appeared remarkably incurious or reluctant to dive into these symptoms with the same vigor.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor’s Role:
Dr. O’Connor, who has been Biden’s physician since he took office, was responsible for conducting and reporting on the President’s annual physicals. Despite clear signs of cognitive decline, his reports consistently affirmed Biden’s fitness for duty.
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After Biden’s February 2024 physical, the report noted issues like a “stiffened gait” but omitted any mention of cognitive tests or concerns about dementia or similar conditions.
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There were no public disclosures of cognitive assessments, which many experts argued should have been routine given Biden’s age and visible symptoms.
Ethical Questions for Physicians:
Doctors have a duty not only to their patients but also to public safety in roles where a patient’s condition can impact others significantly. Historical precedents like those involving Michael Jackson, Prince, and Elvis Presley illustrate scenarios where physicians were scrutinized for failing to address or report on their patients’ deteriorating health:
In each case, doctors were linked to the tragic outcomes due to either overprescription or failure to recognize and report worsening health conditions.
The Broader Impact:
Considering the state of affairs both domestically and globally during Biden’s term, with a perceived increase in instability and policy missteps, one must question:
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What did Dr. O’Connor know about Biden’s health, particularly his cognitive state, and when did he know it?
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If there were signs of rapidly progressing dementia, was this information withheld from the President’s family, his staff, or the public?
Call for Investigation:
Given the potential implications on national and global security, there should be an investigation into Dr. O’Connor’s handling of Biden’s health information. The questions are not just about medical ethics but also about accountability in a position where the health of one individual influences millions.
The health of a president is not merely a private matter but one of public interest, demanding transparency, especially when signs of incapacity are evident. As we look back on Biden’s presidency, the role of his doctor in managing or misrepresenting his health might well be a critical piece in understanding not only Biden’s tenure but also the broader implications for democratic accountability.
*This article was written with some assistance by Grok xAI
