Biden's Doctor Confirms White House Visits by Parkinson's Expert

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Facts

  • Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Pres. Joe Biden’s physician, in a letter released Monday confirmed a report that Parkinson's disease expert Dr. Kevin Cannard made eight visits to the White House within an eight-month span but Cannard did not examine the president during every visit.1
  • White House logs show that Cannard, a neurologist at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, went to the White House at least eight times between August 2023 and March 2024. O'Connor wrote that Cannard held regular neurology clinics at the White House Medical Clinic for the many military personnel assigned to White House operations.2
  • O’Connor also wrote Biden 'has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical.' Cannard has examined Biden in all three of his checkups while in office.2
  • In addition, O’Connor’s letter said Biden’s neurological exams produced 'no findings which would be consistent with' Parkinson's or any other central neurological disorders. However, he didn't specify if Biden has undergone tests to assess cognitive decline or signs of dementia.3
  • White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday denied speculation that the president has Parkinson's. Concerns over Biden's cognitive and physical health have increased since his performance in last month's presidential debate with former Pres. Donald Trump.4
  • White House records from the past three months aren't yet available. Cannard was a neurology consultant for the physician to the president and the White House Medical Unit from 2012 to 2022 and made several trips each year during the Obama administration.3

Sources: 1ABC News, 2CNN, 3New York Times and 4MSNBC.

Narratives

  • Republican narrative, as provided by The Gateway Pundit. Things keep going from bad to worse for Biden's attempts to convince the public he's in fine health. Biden's physical deterioration over the past few years has been obvious, and his cognitive struggles were on full display during the debate. Cannard's frequent visits hint that there's more the Biden camp isn't telling the public — which explains why many Democrats want him to step aside and why Republicans must prevail this November.
  • Democratic narrative, as provided by The New Republic. Trump's proxies are desperate to capitalize on Biden's poor debate performance by spreading misinformation about the president's health, but the truth always comes to light. O'Connor's letter poured cold water on the Parkinson's conspiracy theory. Cannard frequently visits the White House, and those trips haven't increased during Biden's term compared to previous presidential administrations.

Predictions