As the 2022 midterm elections draw closer, the Biden administration is facing growing concerns about President Joe Biden’s physical health and fitness for office. In particular, his frequent slipping and near falls while walking and climbing stairs have raised red flags for many observers.
The Biden team has been making efforts to mitigate the potential for these stumbles, including having him use the shorter staircase on Air Force One and wearing different types of footwear to prevent slipping. They have also reportedly incorporated “proprioceptive maintenance maneuvers” into his physical therapy routine to improve his balance and coordination.
Biden nearly loses his footing — even as he uses the short stairs to avoid such situations — as he exits AF1 in Michigan.
He then heads over to greet, among others, rabid antisemite Rashida Tlaib. pic.twitter.com/qgv5k3mO7T
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 26, 2023
However, questions have been raised about the efficacy of these methods, as “proprioceptive maintenance maneuvers” is not a standard clinical term and does not have a clear definition. James Gordon, a professor at the University of Southern California, commented that he had never heard of this term being used in professional circles.
Despite these efforts, Biden’s struggles were once again on display on Tuesday as he departed Air Force One for a visit to the UAW strike in Michigan. In a video captured by onlookers, Biden can be seen slipping and nearly falling as he descends the short flight of stairs from the plane to the tarmac. Even some minor falls can have serious consequences for an 80-year-old, and concerns are mounting about the potential for a major incident to occur.
The repeated nature of these incidents has left many wondering about the Biden team’s strategy for addressing the president’s physical health. Some have suggested that it might be time for him to start using a chair or other assistive devices when walking to prevent potential injuries.
This issue has also raised questions about Biden’s age and fitness for office. While age should not automatically disqualify someone from holding the highest office in the land, it does raise concerns about their ability to handle the strenuous demands of the job. These concerns are only likely to be amplified as Election Day approaches.
ANOTHER ANGLE: Biden nearly trips as he exits Air Force One using the short stairs — which his staffers make him use to avoid tripping pic.twitter.com/RBcactMYHN
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 26, 2023
Critics of the administration have pointed out the double standard in coverage of Biden’s physical health compared to his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. When Trump walked slowly down a ramp, it was spun as evidence of his unfitness for office, while Biden’s frequent stumbles and slips have largely been ignored or downplayed.
In the end, the Biden administration must address these concerns and take appropriate measures to ensure the president’s safety and ability to carry out his duties. The American people deserve a leader who is physically and mentally capable of leading the country, and it is time for those in power to put the well-being of the nation above political agendas.
