Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management

“President” Biden and the 25th Amendment July 11, 2024

Anyone who has watched Biden over the past two years has seen a feeble old man try to act as president. It is sad and can only be described as “elder abuse” at this point. His wife…”Dr. Jill Biden” should be ashamed. She is putting her beliefs ahead of the health of her own husband. No doubt living in the limelight is addictive but this is a bridge too far.

The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution provides a mechanism for addressing situations where a sitting president may be unable to discharge the powers and duties of their office. Recently, discussions have emerged regarding the potential application of this amendment to President Joe Biden, with some observers raising concerns about his cognitive function and ability to fulfill his presidential responsibilities.

The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, outlines procedures for presidential succession and temporary transfer of power in cases of death, resignation, or inability to serve. Section 4 of this amendment specifically addresses scenarios where a president may be unable to fulfill their duties due to physical or mental incapacity[1].

While some individuals have speculated about President Biden’s cognitive health, it is crucial to approach this topic with caution and rely on objective evidence rather than partisan rhetoric. Medical professionals emphasize that age-related changes in cognitive function are normal and do not necessarily indicate dementia or incapacity[2]. Furthermore, the diagnosis of cognitive disorders requires comprehensive medical evaluation and cannot be made based on public appearances or selective video clips.

It is worth noting that the invocation of the 25th Amendment is a serious matter that requires careful consideration and substantial evidence. The process involves the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet submitting a written declaration to Congress stating that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office[3].

To date, no official medical diagnosis or statement from White House physicians has indicated that President Biden is incapable of performing his duties. The White House has consistently maintained that the President is in good health and fully capable of executing his responsibilities[4].

While public discourse on presidential fitness is an important aspect of democratic accountability, it is essential to rely on factual information and expert medical assessments rather than speculation. The 25th Amendment exists as a safeguard for extreme circumstances, and its application should be based on clear, incontrovertible evidence of incapacity.

As citizens, it is our responsibility to remain informed and engage in constructive dialogue about the functioning of our government. However, we must also be mindful of the potential consequences of unfounded speculation and the importance of respecting due process in matters of such national significance.

In conclusion, while the 25th Amendment provides a constitutional mechanism for addressing presidential incapacity, its application to the current situation lacks substantial evidence. As the debate continues, it is crucial to prioritize factual information and expert medical opinions in assessing the fitness of any sitting president to serve.

References:

[1] U.S. Constitution, Amendment XXV. (1967). National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/amendments-11-27#toc-amendment-xxv

[2] American Psychological Association. (2020). Cognitive Aging. https://www.apa.org/topics/aging/cognitive-aging

[3] Neale, T. H. (2018). Presidential Disability Under the Twenty-Fifth Amendment: Constitutional Provisions and Perspectives for Congress. Congressional Research Service. https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R45394.pdf

[4] The White House. (2021). Statement by White House Physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/19/statement-by-white-house-physician-dr-kevin-oconnor/