In letter, White House physician addresses Parkinson’s expert visits
NBCJul 20
Biden's Doctor Confirms White House Visits by Parkinson's Expert
Above: Pres. Joe Biden speaks at the NATO 75th anniversary celebration on July 9, 2024. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The 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.
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.
The Spin
Republican narrative
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
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.