WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden underwent a routine medical checkup Thursday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as the longest-serving president in U.S. history makes plans for an expected re-election campaign.
The president was at the Bethesda, Maryland, hospital for about three hours before departing by helicopter shortly after noon for the White House. The presidency was expected to release a letter later Thursday reporting the results.
Biden, 80, underwent a standard medical exam for the last time in November 2021. During that more than five-hour visit, he went through a combination of blood, physical, gastrointestinal, dental, eye and neurological exams. Afterwards, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, his attending physician since 2009, signed a six-page memo noting that Biden was “healthy, vigorous” and deemed him “fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.”
Many people, including Democrats, have expressed reservations about Biden seeking a second term in 2024. Only 37% of Democrats say Biden should seek re-election, according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Overall, 22% of Americans think he should run again.
Respondents indicated that Biden’s age was a major concern. They also mentioned his cough, an increased sense of frailty in his walk, and times when he slurred his speech.
During Biden’s 2021 physical exam, a neurological exam found nerve damage in his hands and feet that had contributed to his stiff gait. Spinal arthritis and sequelae from a foot fracture also force him to walk more gingerly.
Biden underwent a colonoscopy in 2021, in which a 3-millimeter “benign-appearing polyp” was identified and removed.
When asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden replied the usual, “Look at me. That’s all I can say.”
In July he tested positive for COVID-19 with “very mild symptoms,” according to the White House. He continued to work, but in isolation.