President Biden told Democratic governors on Wednesday night that he received a medical checkup following last week’s disastrous debate and insisted he’s in good health, according to a report.
But the short doctor’s visit was only to assess an apparent lingering cold and didn’t include any major tests, a source told Politico.
The 81-year-old president’s health disclosure to the more than 20 governors was prompted when one of the state leaders asked him about his physical condition during the hastily organized hour-long meeting, three people with knowledge of the conversation told the outlet.
The discussion was put together amid increased concern in the Democratic party over the president’s age, cognitive fitness and ability to serve another four-year term.
Biden said he had a checkup just days before and said he was healthy — while knocking on wood for effect, two of three people, who were granted anonymity to speak freely, told the outlet.
A source familiar with the president’s daily schedule, however, told Politico that Biden’s mention of a checkup was referring to a short and quick visit with a White House doctor who saw him for a lingering cold. The physician did not evaluate Biden on any major tests, the source said.
Just hours earlier, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to directly answer reporters’ questions on whether the president’s health had been professionally evaluated following the debate, according to the publication.
“The president has regular annual physicals that we release in a thorough report,” she said. “We’re going to continue to do that.”
Several governors — including those considered the best picks to replace Biden should he step out of the race — made public statements of support for Biden following the meeting.
Multiple governors used the same phrase that Biden “is in it to win it” in their remarks.
Soon after the meeting ended, possible Democratic replacement pick, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, tweeted her support for the president, repeating the slogan of the meeting: “@JoeBiden is our nominee. He is in it to win it and I support him.”
Just three governors who attended the meeting in person stuck around to speak to reporters.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that “all” of the state heads in the meeting “pledged our support to him because the stakes could not be higher.”
But privately, at least two staffers seemed weary of Biden’s future, according to Politico.
“They got through today, but it’s still very unclear where this goes,” one of the staffers with direct knowledge of the meeting told the outlet.
