Does Biden Have Covid? Psaki Battles Reporters Questions
A White House reporter questioned Press Secretary Jen Psaki about Biden's obvious health issues. The reporter pointed out that Biden could be seen continuously coughing during several press briefings.
“Many of us were in the East Room watching the president. We’ve seen him on many occasions where he has a repeated cough,” NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell said. “What is the situation with that cough? And is that a concern?”
Psaki, of course, blew the reporter off.
“It’s not a concern,” Psaki claimed. “We have a doctor who travels with him, obviously, who checks in if there is — it is ever warranted. And certainly, that continues to be the case, as it has been since the beginning of his presidency.”
“Is there an explanation for why he coughed so frequently in situations like that?” O’Donnell asked. “I’m sure you saw it.”
“I did. I don’t think it’s an issue of concern,” she claimed. “I think there are a range of reasons why we may need to clear our throat or we may have a little light cold. And that’s certainly something that presidents, elected officials, reporters, spokespeople can confront, but it’s not an area where we have a medical concern.”
Another reporter followed up by asking when Biden will receive a physical exam.
“I know this is an understandable question. I don’t have an update,” Psaki responded. “He will get one soon. And when he does, we will make sure you all are aware of it and get the information.”
Watch
NBC's Kelly O'Donnell to Psaki: "We've seen [Biden] on many occasions where he has a repeated cough? What is the situation with that cough and is that a concern?...Is there an explanation for why he coughs so frequently in situations like that? I'm sure you saw it." pic.twitter.com/Jeh2L4rndY
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) September 16, 2021
After he coughed and was hoarse while speaking in December after the Electoral College confirmed his victory in the 2020 election, aides said he was suffering from a slight cold.
More recently, the president hacked at several points during a speech Monday in California in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom in the recall election, causing him to apologize and even pause to take a sip of water.
Biden's doctor previously excused his cough by saying that it's from acid reflux and seasonal allergies. However, Biden has now been in office since January and on his third seasonal change but his constant coughing and phlegm hacking still remain.