Joe Biden, who at 80 does not hide his re-election ambitions, is "in good health", "vigorous" and "fit" to carry out his duties, his doctor concluded on Thursday.
The practitioner Kevin O'Connor, who has followed him for more than a decade, conducted a series of examinations, including in particular "an extremely detailed neurological examination", according to the report released Thursday by the White House.
He notes that a "lesion" was removed from the president's chest and will be biopsied.
But for the rest, Joe Biden, the oldest president in American history, only presents with minor ailments, treated with three prescription drugs, detailed the doctor.
The Democrat is thus being treated for "non-valvular atrial fibrillation", a heart condition that is "stable" after treatment; high blood lipids also successfully corrected by treatment; and allergies.
The practitioner also assures that two problems noted during the last examination in November 2021, namely a stiff gait and a frequent cough linked to gastroesophageal reflux, are "stable".
For the rest, no change either: the president of the United States is 1m83 tall for 81 kilos, wears contact lenses, does not smoke or drink, and exercises five times a week.
This document was obviously eagerly awaited.
Joe Biden, despite lackluster polls, has been repeating for some time that he "intends" to run, and therefore perhaps face his predecessor Donald Trump, already officially in the race.
But he assured, just a few days ago, that he had not made a "final" decision.
On November 19, 2021, the Democrat, who also wants this transparency on his health to distinguish himself from the former Republican president, had already submitted to a complete examination.
Joe Biden had undergone a colonoscopy that day, under general anesthesia. He had transferred his powers for an hour and twenty-five minutes to Vice President Kamala Harris, who briefly became the first woman to hold presidential prerogatives in the history of the United States.
Since the exam was normal, there was no need to do it again this year, the White House said.
Joe Biden hasn't had a major health issue since undergoing brain surgery in 1988.
He tested positive for Covid-19 last July, without showing a serious form of the disease, or symptoms of a long Covid.
The American president has so far shown an endurance unusual for his age, linking public interventions and trips.
But his age is a frequent angle of attack from the Republican opposition. Some opponents of the president even assure that he would no longer have all his head, given certain moments of confusion and his slurred speech.
Nikki Haley, a 51-year-old Republican who has just entered the race for 2024, called on Wednesday for intellectual aptitude tests for any elected official over the age of 75. This would also apply to Donald Trump, 76, whom she challenges with her candidacy.
The former ambassador to the UN hopes to capitalize on a desire for renewal among the American electorate, which according to the polls does not want a second term for Biden more than a new Trump presidency.
If he does, Joe Biden will face both the rigors of an election campaign and the demands of his office.
So far, he answers questions about his age with jokes, or with this pirouette: "Watch me at work!".
17/02/2023 00:13:15 - Washington (AFP) - © 2023 AFP
