Biden argued in an interview Friday that while he hasn’t taken a cognitive test, his record as president should be enough proof he’s mentally fit to lead the country.
In his first major interview since his disastrous debate performance prompted calls for him to drop out of the race, he was repeatedly questioned about his cognitive abilities, with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos grilling him about whether he’d be willing to undergo neurological and cognitive testing.
“I take cognitive tests every day. I take those tests every single day. Everything that I do. You know, I’m not just running a campaign, I’m running the world,” Biden told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos.
The line of questioning came after Biden’s debate performance was criticized for being often disjointed and his speeches halting, and several current and former administration officials have also expressed concern that Biden was increasingly looking confused and lethargic.
The White House said Biden had a cold on the night of the debate — an illness he blames on his pre-debate travel schedule and on himself — but a growing number of Democrats and voters are expressing concern about whether Biden has the mental fortitude to not only beat Trump but also serve another four years in office.
“Have you undergone specific cognitive testing or been seen by a neurologist or other specialist?” Stephanopoulos asked Biden.
“No. Nobody told me I had to do it,” Biden said. “They told me it was OK.”
Biden added that, like all presidents, he was accompanied by a White House physician. Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, said Biden was “fit for duty” after a medical examination earlier this year, adding that he had also undergone a “very thorough” neurological exam which found no signs of a stroke, neurological disorder or Parkinson’s disease.
Biden said after the debate that his doctor looked at him and said, “You look tired.”
To reassure voters, Biden also made no promise to take cognitive tests in the future, instead issuing a “look at me” challenge to those worried about his mental health.
“There’s still a lot of time left in this campaign,” Biden said.
