Former President Obama’s physician, Jeffrey Kuhlman, has raised concerns about President Joe Biden’s health and cognitive fitness, specifically criticizing the absence of a cognitive test in his most recent medical evaluation. Kuhlman emphasized that Biden’s age—he was 81 during his last assessment—should have prompted such testing to ensure transparency and readiness for the demands of the presidency.
The latest health report, issued in February 2024 by White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor, made no mention of neuropsychological or cognitive assessments. Kuhlman expressed concern that O’Connor may be too close to the president to objectively evaluate his overall condition. He stated, “Sometimes those closest to the tree miss the forest,” highlighting the potential for biased judgment.
Kuhlman argued that the issue isn’t just about physical health, but also about overall fitness to serve, which includes mental and emotional resilience. He believes the American public deserves a clear understanding of whether Biden is capable of handling another four years in office, particularly given the job’s intense demands.
Further questions were raised by a recently published book by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. Based on interviews with Democratic insiders, the book portrays Biden as a well-intentioned but increasingly fragile figure, describing moments of forgetfulness, incoherence, and fatigue throughout his presidency.
The book also suggests that Dr. O’Connor was reluctant to administer cognitive testing, even though Biden had been evaluated by a neurologist for conditions like Parkinson’s disease. This decision has drawn criticism, adding fuel to speculation about Biden’s cognitive health and the transparency of those around him.
When recently asked about his health and the decision to exit the 2024 race, Biden gave a sarcastic remark, saying, “You can see that I’m mentally incompetent…,” referencing the authors mockingly. His response drew attention, but not clarity on the underlying concerns.