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In a letter to the White House, over 60 House Republicans are calling on President Joe Biden to undergo a mental competency test or withdraw from the 2024 election. This letter features signatures from 61 Republicans and is spearheaded by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), a former White House physician. Jackson expresses that the GOP is greatly concerned about Biden’s present cognitive abilities and whether he can serve another term as President. This letter comes in response to Biden’s announcement of his reelection campaign on April 25.
The Republicans state in the letter, ‘We believe that, regardless of gender, age, or political party, all Presidents should document and demonstrate sound mental abilities.’ They continue to point out that while Biden has had two physical examinations during his presidency – on November 19, 2021, and February 16, 2023 – there is no sign of him undergoing a cognitive test or disclosing those results to the public if he did indeed take one.
President Biden underwent a physical examination in February, conducted by White House physician Kevin O’Connor. The results of this examination deemed Biden a ‘healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, including those as Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief.’ However, the GOP lawmakers assert in their letter that these conclusions are not based on any evaluations of Biden’s cognitive or mental abilities, which they and the American public are most concerned about.
Rep. Jackson points to three previously sent letters to President Biden since he took office: one in June 2021, another in February 2022, and the latest in July 2022. According to Jackson, Biden has failed to address any of these letters and has actively avoided the requests of over 50 Congressional members to submit himself to a cognitive examination.
In the letter, Jackson also cites multiple instances from the past couple of years when Biden appeared to ‘shuffle your feet, trip when you walk, slur your words, forget names,’ or lose his train of thought. Republicans argue that these concerning behaviors have become increasingly commonplace.
Rep. Jackson urges Biden to either withdraw from the race for reelection or consent to a ‘clinically validated cognitive screening assessment,’ with the results to be made available for public scrutiny. Jackson states that if Biden fails such a test, it would allow him to accept the numerous failures of his administration over the past two years and provide the opportunity for a mentally capable leader to take the helm.
‘We encourage you to put the wants and needs of the American people above all else and make the decision that best serves our country,’ concludes the letter from the Texas Republican and other signatories.
The age of politicians has recently come under increased scrutiny, especially after former South Carolina GOP Governor Nikki Haley proposed that all politicians above the age of 75 be mandated to take mental competency tests to remain in office. Age will likely be a significant factor in the 2024 election.
Should former President Donald Trump become the GOP nominee, the age factor may become less significant in the upcoming election. Trump is currently 76 years old, indicating that both potential nominees would be well into their seventies or even eighties during their term, with Biden being 86 at the end of a hypothetical second term should he win reelection.
One must wonder whether the Democrats will respond in kind to the Republican-led request for President Biden’s cognitive assessment. Would they point to instances during former President Trump’s time in office, such as when he faced questions on his own cognitive capabilities?
The spotlight on politicians’ mental acuity is likely to intensify as the 2024 election approaches, and candidates on both sides of the aisle may be subjected to similar scrutiny. However, public opinion appears to be divided on whether mandating cognitive assessments for politicians is a necessary or appropriate measure.
It remains to be seen if President Biden will heed the call from his Republican colleagues to submit to a cognitive exam or reconsider his bid for reelection. It is worth noting that this is not the first instance where Biden’s mental fitness has been questioned, and as the 2024 election draws nearer, it likely won’t be the last.
If President Biden accedes to the pressure from Republicans to undergo a cognitive assessment, would it lead to a new precedent for future presidents and political leaders? This could potentially pave the way for more stringent mental health requirements for politicians.
While the discussion surrounding the mental fitness of politicians, particularly concerning age, is a valid concern for their ability to effectively lead the country, it must be approached from an impartial and objective standpoint. Focusing solely on one’s cognitive abilities without considering experience, policy stances, and leadership qualities may skew public perspectives on what truly matters in a president.
As time goes on, it will be important for American voters and politicians alike to carefully examine the demands for cognitive testing to ensure a fair, unbiased, and comprehensive approach to evaluating the mental abilities of their leaders. This will ultimately contribute to an informed and engaged electorate, vital for the continued functioning of democracy.
