The President’s Doctor Takes Center Stage in the Spotlight
As the personal physician to President Joe Biden, Dr. Kevin O’Connor has always been a familiar face around the White House. But it wasn’t until Biden’s lackluster debate performance that the spotlight shifted to O’Connor, sparking questions about the president’s health and fitness for office.
In a public memo released in February following Biden’s most recent physical exam, O’Connor stated that the president was “fit for duty” and fully capable of carrying out his responsibilities. Despite this reassurance, Republican lawmakers are now calling for O’Connor to testify on Capitol Hill about Biden’s health and why cognitive testing has not been conducted.
The recent revelation that neurologist Kevin Cannard, who specializes in Parkinson’s disease, has evaluated Biden during his physical exams also raised eyebrows. O’Connor clarified that Cannard’s presence at the White House is not uncommon, as he provides care to other individuals there as well.
O’Connor and Biden go way back, with O’Connor joining the White House Medical Unit during the Bush administration and eventually becoming Biden’s personal physician during his time as vice president. Their close relationship was highlighted during Biden’s son Beau’s battle with brain cancer, where O’Connor played a crucial role in providing medical advice and support.
Known for his affable demeanor and sense of humor, O’Connor is a respected figure in Biden’s inner circle and is sought after for his medical expertise and work ethic. Despite operating mostly behind the scenes, House Republicans are now aiming to bring O’Connor into the political fray surrounding Biden’s capabilities.
Rep. James Comer has called for O’Connor to testify before the House Oversight Committee to address concerns about his assessment of Biden’s health and potential conflicts of interest related to the president’s family businesses. The White House has dismissed these claims as “ridiculous and insulting.”
Prior to his tenure at the White House, O’Connor served as the command surgeon for the Army’s elite “Delta Force” and has extensive experience in combat operations. He credits his training in osteopathic manipulation for opening doors in both military and medical settings.
As the debate over Biden’s health and fitness for office continues to unfold, Dr. Kevin O’Connor finds himself at the center of attention, balancing his roles as a trusted physician and a key figure in the political landscape.
