Biden undergoes a routine medical examination as he prepares for selection in 2024

WASHINGTON. On Thursday, President Joe Biden underwent a routine medical examination at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The event is being watched closely as the oldest president in history plans for an expected re-election campaign.

The president arrived at Walter Reed by helicopter and entered the hospital around 9:15 a.m. to likely undergo a series of tests.

The 80-year-old Biden last underwent a standard medical examination in November 2021. During this more than five hour visit, he underwent a combination of blood, physical, gastrointestinal, dental, visual and neurological tests. Following this, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, who had been Biden’s attending physician since 2009, signed a six-page memo that described Biden as “healthy, vigorous” and deemed “suitable for successfully serving as president.”

Many people, including Democrats, have expressed doubts that Biden will run for a second term in 2024. According to a recent Associated Press poll, only 37% of Democrats think Biden should seek re-election, up from 52% before last year’s midterms. NORC Public Affairs Research Center. Overall, 22% of American adults said he should run again.

Subsequent interviews with people interviewed in the survey indicated that Biden’s age was a major concern. People noticed his cough, a greater feeling of frailty when walking, and moments when he misspoke.

During Biden’s 2021 physical exam, a neurological exam found nerve damage in his arms and legs, which contributed to his stiff gait. Spinal arthritis and compensation for a broken leg also made him walk more carefully.

In 2021, Biden underwent a colonoscopy, during which a 3mm “benign polyp” was identified and removed.

Asked in a recent PBS interview about his age and ability to be president, Biden responded with what has become his motto: “Look at me. That’s all I can say”.

Biden tested positive for COVID-19 in July and had “very mild symptoms,” according to the White House. The president continued to work even as he isolated himself in the White House.