This will be the first time Biden has handed over the reins during his presidency.
Joe Biden is to hand the power over to Vice President Kamala Harris “for a brief period of time” whilst he undergoes a colonoscopy.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement: “As was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and following the process set out in the Constitution, President Biden will transfer power to the Vice President for the brief period of time when he is under anaesthesia.
“The Vice President will work from her office in the West Wing during this time.”
This morning, the President will travel to Walter Reed Medical Center for a routine physical.
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) November 19, 2021
A colonoscopy during a physical is a pretty standard routine procedure where biopsies can be taken at the same time. As the oldest person to ever hold the office, worries about the President’s health have circled since his inauguration.
In 2020, while playing with his dog Major, Biden broke his foot, and the internet broke simultaneously. Twitter was quickly engulfed with people claiming he was too old, but Biden actually made a speedy recovery.
Dr Kevin O’Connor, who has been Biden’s primary care doctor since 2009, confirmed the injury had healed fully.
“This injury has healed as expected, and he will return to his usual exercise regimen,” said the doctor.
“As we explained initially, sprains of the foot can sometimes be a more significant injury than the bony fractures which accompany them.
“This x-ray is to check to assure that he has achieved good ligamentous stability.”
This will also mark the first time Biden has handed over power throughout his tenure as President. In a landmark moment, it will also be the first time a woman has ascended so far up the US political ladder.
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