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Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Cormer has publicly demanded that White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor appear for testimony over President Joe Biden's mental state and overseas business dealings following his disastrous first presidential debate performance.
“After a concerning debate performance by President Biden against former President Donald Trump on June 27, journalists have rushed to report on what Americans have seen plainly for years: the President appears unwell,” Comer wrote a letter sent out Saturday (July 6).
Comer acknowledged that O'Connor had previously insisted that "Biden is a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency" in his health summary from February, as well as the physician's past business relationship with James Biden, the president's younger brother. The Kentucky Republican also shared concerns that O'Connor hadn't recommended President Biden submit a cognitive exam amid public concern over his mental acuity following the recent debate.
Comer's demands were made amid reports of uncertainty regarding the president's re-election campaign as a top campaign official reportedly told at least one megadonor that Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 election is "only a matter of time" privately according to TMZ, as well as multiple Democratic officials publicly calling for him to drop out. The official reportedly said that focus had shifted from singular support of the president's re-election to "Democrats have to retain The White House" following Biden's disastrous performance in the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.
Biden, the oldest president in history, appeared opposite Trump, on the debate stage for the first time since the 2020 election and did little to quell concerns about his vigor and energy. The president appeared to struggle with his voice, clearing his throat and coughing multiple times, and was often seen open-mouthed and staring when Trump spoke, occasionally struggling to finish sentences.
Biden's performance reportedly led to "panic" among Democrats, according to longtime Democratic operative and CNN senior political commentator David Axelrod.
“He seemed a little disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on. But by that time, I think the panic had set in,” Axelrod said, adding that "there are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.”