In 2008, Senator John McCain, the oldest person to seek a first term in the White House, released 1,173 pages of medical information to reassure the public about his health. The documents included details of his biopsies, prostate exams, and even “very light tan freckling” on his buttocks. He was 71 years old at the time.
Today, President Biden, 81, and his rival, Donald J. Trump, 77, are facing scrutiny over their age and health. While their doctors have declared them fit to serve, neither has fully disclosed their medical charts to the public.
Mr. Biden released a six-page summary of his medical test results in February, but his doctor declined to be interviewed by reporters. Mr. Trump has revealed less information, with his last public note from his doctor being three paragraphs long. Both candidates have not undergone a comprehensive assessment of their mental fitness.
The American political system allows presidents and candidates to choose how much medical information they disclose to the public. However, the election between the two oldest presidential candidates is raising questions about transparency and the need for comprehensive health assessments.
The New York Times sent detailed questions about the candidates’ health to the Trump campaign and the White House, but received limited responses. Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump have not provided full transparency regarding their health.
While Mr. Biden’s doctor released a summary of the president’s physical health, questions about his mental fitness remain unanswered. Experts suggest comprehensive neuropsychological exams for both candidates to assess their cognitive function.
The lack of transparency from both candidates is concerning, as age-related health issues can accelerate after 80. The risk of cognitive diseases increases with age, and voters are left to judge the candidates’ fitness based on limited information.
Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump have not fully addressed concerns about their health, leaving the public to rely on snippets of information from their public appearances. Experts emphasize the importance of independent assessments of the candidates’ health, especially for individuals seeking the presidency.
The unknowns about Mr. Biden
President Biden has faced questions about his age and mental fitness, but his aides highlight his regular exercise routine and energetic public appearances. However, some of his speeches have raised concerns about his cognitive function.
While reports about Mr. Biden’s health have been mixed, his physician chose not to conduct a comprehensive assessment of his mental fitness due to the president’s high-level executive functioning in day-to-day tasks.
Mr. Biden’s physician provided details about the president’s physical health, but cognitive testing was notably absent. Medical experts emphasize the importance of independent cognitive assessments for presidential candidates above a certain age.
The lack of comprehensive cognitive testing raises concerns about Mr. Biden’s ability to make sound decisions as president.
The White House defends the information released by Mr. Biden’s physician, stating that it is sufficient. However, medical experts argue that cognitive testing should be a standard practice for presidential candidates to ensure their mental fitness for office.
Mr. Trump’s health information has been less transparent compared to previous candidates. His doctor’s claims about his cognitive exams lack specific details and supporting evidence, making it difficult to assess his health accurately.
Medical experts emphasize the need for comprehensive health assessments, especially for individuals of Mr. Trump’s age, to detect potential health issues early.
Despite Mr. Trump’s claims of good health, concerns have been raised about his cognitive function based on public appearances and speeches. His risk of developing Alzheimer’s is heightened due to his age and family history.
The lack of comprehensive health information from Mr. Trump’s campaign makes it challenging to assess his overall health and potential risks of age-related health issues.
The public’s perception of the candidates’ health is crucial, especially for individuals seeking the highest office in the country. Experts stress the importance of independent health assessments to ensure that presidential candidates have the physical and mental capability to fulfill their duties.
While there are no legal requirements for candidates to release health information, past presidents and candidates have provided detailed medical records to address concerns about their health and fitness for office.
The lack of transparency from both Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump raises questions about their readiness to serve as president, especially considering the potential health risks associated with their age.
