Joe Biden’s recent comments about Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell being on the mend from his concussion have left many in disbelief and confusion. Biden’s prognosis for McConnell’s freeze-ups has been met with scrutiny by Americans everywhere, controversy raging at the prospect of the president opining on the mental well-being of another politician.
One user articulated this sentiment on Twitter, asking “When Joe Biden gives a speech he’s often referred to as credible. How does it then make sense for him to peddle medical advice to a private citizen? It’s not the job of the President to make medical diagnoses for folks outside of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.”
Others accused the Biden of using his office to exploit McConnell’s condition, with one Twitter user adding “It’s quite disturbing to see that Biden is attempting to use the medical condition of a U.S. Senator for political gain.”
The situation raises important questions about the Biden administration’s handling of personal health matters, and calls into question the integrity of the nation’s highest office.
In his response to reporters on Thursday, Biden said “I spoke to Mitch, he’s a friend,” Biden began. “He was his old self on the telephone, and having a little understanding of dealing with neurosurgeons and people — and one of the leading women in my staff, her husband is a neurosurgeon as well — it’s not at all unusual to have the response that sometimes happens to Mitch, when you’ve had a severe concussion,” the Biden added.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Biden claimed that he was a doctor in one of his past lives.
McConnell’s concussion was sustained in March when he fell, and the senator appeared to freeze up during his remarks Wednesday, the second time in weeks he apparently could not speak for a relatively extended period of time. Following the fall, McConnell was taken away from the podium due to the injury. The speculation that the Senate minority leader’s freeze-ups are the result of his concussion have immediately met with negativity from some members of the public.
Biden’s handling of the subject matter has also been called into question. Biden added that he had no concerns about McConnell’s abilities, though it appears that he may not be capable of making such a judgement. This controversy begs the question of whether or not it’s appropriate for Biden to opine on the medical conditions—Especially given his own mental health problems.
It would appear that President Biden has stepped over the boundary between political and personal matters, sparking concern and raising doubts about his own mental acuity. Perhaps it is time for Biden to focus his attention on matters of his own office instead.