James Comer, Chairman of the Republican House Oversight Committee, has publicly demanded that White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor testify regarding President Joe Biden’s mental state and overseas business dealings. This follows Biden’s disappointing performance in his first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump.
“After a concerning debate performance by President Biden against former President Donald Trump on June 27, journalists have rushed to report on what Americans have seen plainly for years: the President appears unwell,” Comer wrote in a letter sent out on Saturday (July 6).
Comer acknowledged that O’Connor had previously stated that “Biden is a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency” in his health summary from February. He also raised concerns about O’Connor’s past business relationship with James Biden, the president’s younger brother. The Kentucky Republican expressed disappointment that O’Connor had not recommended President Biden undergo a cognitive exam, particularly in light of public concerns about his mental sharpness following the debate.
Comer’s demands come amid reports of uncertainty about Biden’s re-election campaign. According to TMZ, an American outlet, a top campaign official privately told at least one megadonor that Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election is “only a matter of time.” Multiple Democratic officials have also publicly urged him to step down. The official reportedly stated that the focus had shifted from solely supporting the president’s re-election to ensuring “Democrats retain the White House” following Biden’s poor performance in the debate against Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.
Biden, the oldest president in American history, faced Trump on the debate stage for the first time since the 2020 election. His performance did little to alleviate concerns about his vigor and energy. The president struggled with his voice, frequently clearing his throat and coughing, and was often seen open-mouthed and staring when Trump spoke, occasionally struggling to finish sentences.
Biden’s performance reportedly caused “panic” among Democrats, as noted by longtime Democratic operative and CNN senior political commentator David Axelrod.
“He seemed a little disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on. But by that time, I think the panic had set in,” Axelrod said, adding that “there are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.”
