A whisper away from becoming an octogenarian, President Joe Biden is taking time today for a full physical on the eve of his 79th birthday.
A routine colonoscopy is part of the process, which means the leader of the free world will be briefly under anesthesia and the power of the presidency will be transferred to Vice President Kamala Harris.
The president will spend Friday morning at Walter Reed ahead of his birthday on Saturday.
“As was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and following the process set out in the Constitution, President Biden will transfer power to the Vice President for the brief period of time when he is under anesthesia," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. "The Vice President will work from her office in the West Wing during this time.”
NBC News reported the last time a full medical assessment of Biden was publicly released was in 2019, when Biden was running for the nomination and described by Dr. Kevin O’Connor as a “healthy, vigorous, 77-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief.”
Biden survived two brain aneurysms in the 1980s and at the time of his most recent physical was taking blood thinners plus medication for acid reflux, cholesterol and seasonal allergies.
After his tests, Biden is scheduled to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey Friday afternoon while Harris will travel to Ohio once Biden resumes his duties.
Related
Donald Trump’s first physical as president came a year into his presidency when then-White House physician Ronny Jackson said his health was "excellent" and that he had "a lot of energy and a lot of stamina.”
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