Quick Hit:

President Biden's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, defended the President's mental acuity, denying any signs of Parkinson's despite mounting pressure from Republicans and concerns over Biden's recent public appearances.

Key Details:

• Physician's Defense: Dr. Kevin O'Connor, in an interview, insisted President Biden’s mental cognition remains "excellent," dismissing rumors and speculation about Parkinson's disease.
• Media Presence: This marks a rare occasion where O'Connor has spoken to the media about Biden's health during his presidency, contrasting with the more frequent briefings given by past presidential physicians.
• Political Pressure: Following a poor debate performance and calls from key Republicans and Democrats to not seek re-election, Biden announced he would not run again, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Diving Deeper:

Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the White House physician, made rare public comments this Thursday, asserting President Joe Biden's mental acuity is "excellent" amid calls for his resignation. The declaration came just days after Biden ended his campaign for a second term, an announcement influenced by concerns within his own party and notable confusion during public events which some pundits attributed to potential Parkinson’s disease.

During an unexpected encounter with a reporter from The Post near the White House, Dr. O'Connor addressed these concerns head-on. Despite his usual low profile in the media, the physician was clear and smiling as he refuted the claims, stating, “It’s excellent,” in reference to Biden's mental state, and firmly denying the need for a cognitive test. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), among others, have argued that Biden’s perceived incapacity makes him unfit for the presidency, advocating for his immediate resignation. Meanwhile, Biden himself has remained focused on governance, insisting just last week of his intent to continue in office unless medical advisors suggest otherwise.