“Our Allies Are Looking for US Leadership” Biden Defends His Fitness for Presidency Amid NATO Summit
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President Joe Biden welcomed NATO leaders to Washington on Tuesday for a crucial summit, aiming to demonstrate his capability to meet the demands of the presidency for another four years. The gathering, which coincides with NATO’s 75th anniversary, focuses on shoring up transatlantic support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia, all while confronting the potential return of NATO skeptic Donald Trump.
Biden, whose reelection campaign has faced challenges following a lackluster debate performance, sees his work at the summit as a testament to his leadership. He points to his efforts rallying NATO members in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a prime example of his steady leadership, reported CNN.
“Our allies are looking for US leadership,” Biden said in an MSNBC interview. “Who else do you think can step in here and do this? I expanded NATO. I solidified NATO. I made sure that we’re in a position where we have a coalition of nations around the world to deal with China, with Russia, with everything that’s going on in the world. We’re making real progress.”
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, issued a statement following questions about the president’s health at a press briefing. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that Biden undergoes extensive yearly physical exams and has regular check-ins with his doctor.
“A couple times a week,” Biden does a “verbal check-in with his doctor while he’s exercising,” Jean-Pierre said, adding that he had a check-in on Monday. She also clarified that Biden had seen a neurologist three times as part of his annual physical exams, addressing confusion about whether Biden sought medical attention for a cold after the June 27 debate.
The most recent physical report, issued in February, stated that Biden underwent a detailed neurological exam, which showed no signs of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or other neurological disorders. Dr. O’Connor confirmed that Dr. Kevin Cannard, a neurologist, evaluated Biden during his three physicals and had visited the White House as part of his role with the White House Medical Unit. Dr. O’Connor reiterated that Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physicals and that his physical exams have consistently shown no signs of neurological issues.
As Biden continues to defend his fitness for office and his leadership on the international stage, the scrutiny of his health and performance remains a focal point for both supporters and critics. With the NATO summit and ongoing campaign efforts, Biden aims to solidify his position and demonstrate his readiness to lead for another term.
