Republican Representative Ronny Jackson of Texas, known for his prior role as a White House physician and now serving in the House of Representatives, has raised a demand for President Biden to undergo a drug test before their upcoming debate on Thursday, labeled the “CNN Presidential Debate,” where he faces off against former President Trump.
Jackson’s call for a drug test was articulated in a thorough three-page letter directed to President Biden and his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, as reported by Fox News on Monday, June 24, 2024. The letter specifically requests a “clinically validated drug test” to be conducted immediately before and after the debate, including screening for performance-enhancing drugs.
The rationale behind Jackson’s demand lies in his belief that debates serve as a critical avenue for the American public to assess candidates’ policy stances, leadership abilities, and their capacity to perform effectively under pressure. He asserts that Americans must have full confidence in their President’s capability to fulfill the duties of Head of State and Commander in Chief without reliance on performance-enhancing drugs or mood-altering medications.
Jackson references a recent Wall Street Journal report that interviewed over 40 individuals and portrayed President Biden, aged 81, as experiencing a decline in mental acuity amidst complex domestic and international challenges. This report, however, has been vehemently opposed by Biden and his Democratic supporters, labeling it as part of a GOP smear campaign.
Moreover, Jackson points to Special Counsel Robert Hur’s assessment during an interview with Biden regarding his handling of classified documents, where Hur suggested that a jury might perceive Biden as a sympathetic yet forgetful elderly man.
Jackson also highlights concerns regarding Biden’s performance during the State of the Union address, citing observations of excessive sweating, intense yelling at the camera, minimal blinking, and frequent rapid hand gestures.
Polls have indicated that Biden’s age is a significant apprehension for voters, with a notable portion expressing doubts about his ability to effectively fulfill the role of president.
Jackson notes that numerous Members of Congress have repeatedly called for Biden to undergo a cognitive examination, requests that have been disregarded thus far. He contrasts this with former President Trump’s actions, where Trump had undergone and publicized his cognitive fitness for office.
In response to queries about whether Trump should also undergo drug testing, Jackson’s spokesperson clarified that the concern was specific to Biden due to perceived shifts in demeanor, particularly during the State of the Union address.
The spokesperson emphasized Trump’s consistency throughout his life and mentioned Trump’s previous offer to undergo a drug test if Biden agreed to do the same.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates, in response to Jackson’s comments, likened Jackson to a character from “The Simpsons” known for dubious medical practices.
