President Joe Biden recently informed Democratic governors that he underwent a medical checkup following his debate performance last week and is in good health, according to sources familiar with the matter. The president’s health has been a topic of interest, especially after his debate performance drew criticism and raised concerns among some members of his party.
Two individuals with direct knowledge of the conversation during the meeting at the White House confirmed that Biden shared details about his health checkup. One source mentioned that the president had a brief exam with a White House physician a few days after the debate due to a cold. This exam did not include any major tests, according to the source.
Another person with knowledge of the meeting said that Biden reassured the Democratic governors about his good health. The White House has not yet commented on this matter, but the news was initially reported by Politico.
Earlier on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked if the president had undergone any medical exams since his last physical in February. She responded that they had spoken to his doctor, who confirmed that there had been no recent medical exams. When pressed further about any kind of medical exams, Jean-Pierre reiterated that there had been none.
This update on Biden’s health comes amid a challenging period for the president, who has faced calls to step aside from the race following his debate performance. Despite the criticism, Biden continues his reelection campaign and has been actively engaging with Democratic representatives and donors to shore up support.
In addition to addressing his health, Biden has been focusing on various policy initiatives aimed at advancing racial equity and economic opportunities for Black Americans and other underserved communities. Over the past two years, the Biden-Harris Administration has implemented several measures to promote homeownership, reduce child poverty, expand access to affordable healthcare, and ensure equal access to education.
The administration’s efforts include the historic American Rescue Plan (ARP), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which have collectively contributed to an equitable economic recovery. These initiatives have created more than 12 million jobs since Biden took office and have made significant investments in Black communities.
The Inflation Reduction Act, in particular, aims to lower energy costs, create economic opportunities, and advance environmental justice. It includes provisions for tax credits for home efficiency upgrades, direct rebates for energy-efficient appliances, and incentives for solar projects in low-income communities.
The American Rescue Plan has also provided critical support to Black families and communities, including the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which has significantly reduced child poverty among Black children. The plan has also supported child care providers, reduced child care costs, and provided emergency rental assistance to help families stay in their homes.
Furthermore, the administration has taken steps to address housing discrimination and ensure that Black homeowners receive fair appraisals for their properties. The Interagency Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) has released an action plan to advance equity in the home appraisal process.
In the realm of federal procurement, the Biden-Harris Administration has launched efforts to expand contracting opportunities for underserved small businesses, including Black-owned businesses. The president has set a goal of increasing the share of federal contracting dollars to small disadvantaged businesses by 50% by 2025.
Additionally, the administration has focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the federal workforce. An executive order signed by Biden in June 2021 launched a whole-of-government initiative to cultivate a diverse federal workforce and advance equitable employment opportunities for workers from underserved communities.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also aims to reverse decades of disinvestment in Black communities by replacing lead pipes, expanding access to high-speed internet, improving public transit, and reconnecting neighborhoods divided by legacy highway infrastructure.
As Biden continues his campaign, he remains committed to addressing the concerns of his party and advancing policies that promote equity and opportunity for all Americans. His recent health checkup and reassurance to Democratic governors underscore his determination to continue leading the country through these challenging times.
Source: ABC News, Politico
