Television personality Dr. Phil McGraw recently voiced his opinion that President Joe Biden should undergo a cognitive examination, encapsulating his viewpoint with the phrase, “people that have nothing to hide, hide nothing.” This suggestion was made during an appearance on Bill Maher’s “Real Time” show, where Maher inquired about Dr. Phil’s stance on whether President Biden should submit to such testing.
Dr. Phil’s comment comes amid ongoing discussions about the President’s age and cognitive health. Maher himself advised President Biden to embrace his age rather than deny it, suggesting that authenticity might resonate more positively with the American public. He criticized the tendency of Democratic candidates to become defensive about their true selves, pointing out past instances where political figures attempted to appeal to voters through inauthentic gestures.
In addition to his remarks on cognitive testing, Dr. Phil also shared insights during a visit to “The View,” where he discussed the impact of COVID-19 school closures and the widespread adoption of smartphones on children’s mental health. He highlighted a significant increase in depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidality among young people, exacerbated by the pandemic’s effects on their social support systems. Dr. Phil criticized the decision to close schools for extended periods, noting the adverse consequences on children’s well-being and the reduction in opportunities for mandated reporters to identify and help abused children.
The White House, when questioned about the absence of a cognitive test in President Biden’s physical examination, defended the decision by stating that the President’s daily activities serve as a continuous cognitive test. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that a formal cognitive assessment, typically a brief process conducted by a stranger, was deemed unnecessary by the President’s physician. Following the examination, the President was described as a “healthy, robust, 81-year-old,” according to the results released by the White House.
Dr. Phil’s comments and the ongoing debate about President Biden’s cognitive health reflect broader concerns and discussions about the fitness and transparency of political leaders, especially as they relate to the demands of their office.