Biden's Doctor Releases Letter as Parkinson's Controversy Erupts

In an effort to dispel rumors regarding President Joe Biden’s potential Parkinson’s disease, the White House issued a letter on Monday clarifying that the visits from a Parkinson’s expert were unrelated to the president.

According to The New York Times, Dr. Kevin Cannard made eight visits to the White House over eight months. Records indicate these visits occurred from July to March, including one with the White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, and a cardiologist.

O’Connor’s letter praised Cannard’s expertise and aimed to refute any connection between the visits and Biden’s health.

“Prior to the pandemic, and following its end, he has held regular Neurology Clinics at the White House Medical Clinic in support of the thousands of active-duty members assigned in support of White House operations,” O’Connor explained.

“Many military personnel experience neurological issues related to their service, and Dr. Cannard regularly visits the WHMU as part of this General Neurology practice,” O’Connor added.

The letter mentioned that during Biden's annual physicals, Cannard was the neurologist who conducted the examinations.

The White House physician referenced a letter from Feb. 28, stating, “‘there were no findings which would be consistent with any cerebellar or other central neurological disorder, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or ascending lateral sclerosis, nor are there any signs of cervical myelopathy.’”

“Seeing patients at the White House is something that Dr. Cannard has been doing for a dozen years,” the letter continued, noting that Cannard was selected “not because he is a movement disorder specialist, but because he is a highly trained and highly regarded neurologist…”

On Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had a tense interaction with reporters regarding the matter.

“Has the president been treated for Parkinson’s? No. Is he being treated for Parkinson’s? No, he’s not. Is he taking medication for Parkinson’s? No,” she affirmed, stating she would not discuss visits due to “security reasons.”

“Did Dr. Kevin Cannard come to the White House specifically because of the president’s condition?” CBS News’ Ed O’Keefe asked Jean-Pierre.

“For security reasons, we cannot share names,” the press secretary responded. “We cannot share names of specialists broadly, from a dermatologist to a neurologist.”

“No matter how much you press, no matter how angry you get, I will not confirm a name, even if it’s in the log,” she said. “It is inappropriate. It is not acceptable. So I’m not going to do it.”

Following this exchange, O’Connor’s letter was released.

As Biden addressed the Parkinson’s speculation, more Democrats expressed their views that he should withdraw from the re-election race.

“There would be a huge sigh of relief amongst just about every Democrat in the House” if Biden stepped down, stated Democratic Rep. Adam Smith of Washington.

“We would be better off with another nominee,” Smith told CBS News. “I believe that in my heart, my soul, my brain — I’m 100 percent convinced of that.”

In an interview on Friday, Biden indicated he would not take a cognitive test to address concerns about his capability to serve as president.

The BBC noted that House Democrats will convene on Tuesday, with Biden’s campaign and their support for it expected to be key discussion points.