While President Biden acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured us of his efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, I felt his display of empathy fell short of what was needed. However, he emphasised his commitment to pressuring the Netanyahu administration to change its actions and protect civilians.
I told President Biden that his legacy would be defined by his actions in Gaza, much like President Obama's legacy was influenced by his inaction in Syria.
President Biden appeared physically fragile, although stronger than during the debate. His voice was steady, and he actively engaged in our discussion, demonstrating attentiveness and providing relevant responses. Notably, he did not defer to his advisors for assistance, instead recalling our names from the briefing papers.
He maintained strong eye contact and remained focused throughout, contrasting with his demeanour in the debate. While defending his Gaza policy with supporting reports and facts, he did make a few errors in recalling specific Middle Eastern leaders' names during the conversation.
Damage control
In the aftermath of the debate, the White House and some of President Biden's supporters have offered different explanations for his poor performance to suppress the growing calls for him to withdraw from the coming elections and regain voters' confidence, especially in light of the post-debate polls showing Trump winning in key swing states by a widening margin.
They offered different explanations for the weak voice, rambling, speech stumbles, loss of concentration, and flat facial expressions that viewers saw on TV screens, ranging from jet lag from recent international travels to cold symptoms, exhaustion from debate preparations, and lack of sleep. Other prominent Democrats, pundits, and even Hollywood celebrities have since urged President Biden to step down.
It is important for any public figure—especially one in a position of power like the president of the United States, who has what is considered the hardest job in the world—to prioritise their health and well-being. Regular medical check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and openness about any health issues are crucial for maintaining physical and mental fitness in such demanding roles.
President Biden—like any individual—faces health challenges that can affect his ability to carry out his duties as the leader of the United States. Over the years, he has been open about his medical history, including his battle with stuttering as a child and his experiences with heart-related issues. In addition, he underwent surgery in 1988 to repair two brain aneurysms.
President Biden is now 81, making him one of the oldest presidents in US history. It is not uncommon for the elderly to face various health setbacks, including issues related to cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall physical well-being.
Given Biden's age and medical history, some may question his ability to serve effectively as president and his capacity to run for re-election. Concerns about his health could potentially impact his position as a candidate for president in the upcoming elections.
In February of this year, a group of 20 neurologists, including President Biden's personal doctor, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, conducted an examination and found no evidence of significant neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, ALS, or other conditions that could explain symptoms such as stiffness, shuffling walk, rambling speech, loss of concentration, and lapses of memory. Based on this evaluation, he was declared fit for his roles as the president, commander-in-chief, and head of state.
More medical tests needed
However, some other neurologists and medical experts argue that President Biden should undergo a more comprehensive neurological exam, including cognitive screening tests, to rule out certain types of dementia, degenerative brain diseases, or other issues that could impact his cognitive functions, memory, and decision-making abilities.
One of the most commonly used cognitive assessments is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This assessment evaluates orientation, memory, attention, the ability to name objects, and the ability to follow verbal and written commands. Additionally, more detailed cognitive exams can be administered to test executive function needed in demanding jobs like President. Airplane pilots and CEOs of major companies undergo such cognitive tests before hiring.
Ultimately, it is up to the American people to evaluate President Biden's health and its potential impact on his performance as the Democrats' candidate. As with any leader, a balance must be struck between respecting their privacy and transparency about their health status for the public's trust and confidence in their leadership.
My father shared his disappointment with Biden's debate performance, noting his forgetfulness, perceived weakness, and fragile appearance. "Putin must be very pleased," he remarked.
My parents were both appalled by the absence of any discussion on Syria during the debate. They also expressed concern over both candidates vying to demonstrate unwavering support for Israel while displaying a lack of empathy towards the suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza, who are tragically mutilated and slaughtered by American-made bombs. I share their sentiments wholeheartedly.
