Question marks remain

Joe Biden’s doctor declares him “fit for duty”

US President Biden is said to be physically fit.(Bild: AP)

US President Joe Biden's doctor has declared him "fit for duty" following his annual health check. The 81-year-old exercises five days a week. Apart from the already known physical ailments, Biden is in good health. However, question marks remain over his mental health.

"The president is doing well, and no new problems were found at this year's physical," his physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor said on Wednesday after the examination at a military hospital in a Maryland suburb. "He remains fit for duty and is performing all of his duties to the fullest extent, with no exceptions or reliefs."

Biden's signs of aging
The 81-year-old underwent a root canal last year and is being treated for sleep apnea, but is in good health. The president still has a stiff gait, which has not worsened since last year, and suffers from "peripheral neuropathy" in both feet, gastroesophageal reflux, allergies and spinal arthritis, which are being treated with medication.

Biden and Trump are having non-stop misfires.(Bild: AP)

The president's health is under particular scrutiny this year as he is the oldest president in US history to stand for re-election. Biden and former Republican President Donald Trump (77) have accused each other of mental deterioration ahead of a probable run-off election on November 5.

No cognitive tests
Trump's last rival for the Republican nomination, Nikki Haley (52), said both men were too old for the White House and should undergo cognitive tests. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said the president had not taken any cognitive tests and did not need any.

Biden enjoys playing golf and cycling in his spare time. However, his verbal and physical weaknesses have repeatedly raised doubts about his ability to meet the demands of being head of state and commander-in-chief of the US military. When asked if there was anything Americans should be worried about, Biden joked about his age: "Well, they think I look too young," Biden joked.