Presidential Cognitive Ability: A Comparative Analysis of Biden and Trump's Assessments

Washington D.C., District of Columbia United States of America
Biden, 81, dismissed calls for taking a cognitive test and argued that leading the country is his daily test. Trump, 76, claimed to have passed a short screening test in 2018 but did not provide details.
Presidential cognitive ability has been a topic of discussion regarding Joe Biden and Donald Trump due to their advanced ages.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends doctors assess individuals older than 65 for cognitive abilities. Biden's neurological exam was conducted by Dr. Kevin Cannard on January 17, 2023, and results were released in his annual physical report on February 28.
Trump's cognitive tests have not been disclosed to the public.
Two interviewers observed Biden appearing stiffer physically and having watery, glassy eyes during interviews. He has granted fewer interviews than any other American president.
Presidential Cognitive Ability: A Comparative Analysis of Biden and Trump's Assessments

Presidential Cognitive Ability: A Comparative Analysis of Biden and Trump

The issue of cognitive ability in the US presidential race has gained significant attention, particularly regarding President Joe Biden and his opponent Donald Trump. While both candidates have faced questions about their mental fitness to hold office due to their advanced age, the topic reached a boiling point after Biden's weak debate performance last month.

Biden, who is currently the oldest president in US history at 81 years old, has dismissed calls for taking a cognitive test. He argues that leading the country is his daily test and that he doesn't need an assessment from experts. Trump, on the other hand, claimed to have passed a short screening test in 2018 but did not provide any details about the exams or when they were conducted.

The American Academy of Neurology recommends doctors assess individuals older than 65 for their cognitive abilities. By age 75, approximately 25% of patients will have a cognitive disorder of some kind.

Biden's neurological exam was conducted at the White House on January 17, 2023 by renowned neurological expert Dr. Kevin Cannard. The results were later released as part of his annual physical report on February 28, 2023.

Trump's cognitive tests have not been disclosed to the public despite his claims of passing them.

Two interviewers who spoke to Fox News anonymously shared their observations about Biden's mental and physical condition during their interviews. One interviewer noted that Biden appeared stiffer physically and had watery, glassy eyes, leaving them with the impression that he is old. Biden has granted fewer interviews than any other American president in modern history.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a commonly used test to assess cognitive abilities. It measures various aspects of cognitive function such as memory, attention, language skills, and executive functions.

Both candidates' mental fitness has become a significant issue in the presidential race. While it is essential to respect their privacy and avoid speculation or conspiracy theories, it is crucial for voters to have accurate information about their candidates' health status.


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • The interviewers' observations about Biden's appearance may be subjective.
  • The specific cognitive tests taken by both candidates and their results have not been disclosed publicly.

Sources

93%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

What cognitive tests measure and could tell us about Biden and Trump

The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Lizette Ortega, Tuesday, 09 July 2024 20:53
  • Unique Points
    • Biden has not taken a cognitive test during his presidency and dismissed calls to take one, arguing that leading the country is a daily test.
    • Trump bragged about passing a short screening test in 2018, but did not provide details on the exams or when they were conducted.
  • Accuracy
    • Doubts about the mental fitness of President Biden and Donald Trump to hold the White House in their 80s have arisen due to concerns about cognitive decline.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The article provides a balanced view of cognitive tests and their limitations. It does not commit any formal or informal fallacies. However, it does present dichotomous depictions by contrasting the positions of different medical experts and organizations on whether cognitive testing should be routine or only when symptoms are present.
    • The article contrasts the positions of the U.S. Preventive Task Force and the American Academy of Neurology on cognitive testing for older adults.
    • The article highlights differing opinions among medical experts on whether verbal stumbles reveal a deeper problem such as dementia or are just normal workings of an aging brain.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

94%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

President Joe Biden saw neurologist at White House for Jan. 17 exam, press secretary says

The Associated Press News Wednesday, 10 July 2024 00:27
  • Unique Points
    • President Joe Biden saw a neurologist, Dr. Kevin Cannard, at the White House on January 17, 2023 for a neurological exam.
    • Dr. Cannard is a renowned neurological expert and has been the neurology consultant to the White House medical unit for a dozen years.
    • Biden’s annual physical results, including his neurological exam, were released on February 28, 2023.
  • Accuracy
    • ,
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    There are a few instances of appeal to authority and some minor informal fallacies in the form of exaggerated descriptions. No formal fallacies were found. The author reports on the clarification provided by the White House press secretary regarding President Biden's neurological exam and corrects misinformation from previous statements.
    • The confirmation came after the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre inaccurately said during the daily briefing with reporters that the Jan. 17 meeting was not related to care for the president in response to a question from the Associated Press.
    • That statement is not the first time in the days following Biden’s debate debacle – which triggered a new round of concerns about the 81-year-old president’s fitness to serve — that the White House has had to later clarify answers to questions about the president’s health.
    • Cannard has been the neurology consultant to the White House medical unit for a dozen years. O’Connor also said in a letter released Monday night that Cannard has held regular neurology clinics at the White House “in support of the thousands of active-duty members assigned in support of White House operations.”
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

83%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Biden interviewers shed light on his frailty behind the scenes: 'It's impossible not to notice'

Fox News Media Joseph Wulfsohn Wednesday, 10 July 2024 10:05
  • Unique Points
    • Two Biden interviewers spoke to Fox News Digital anonymously about their observations of the President's mental health and physical condition during their interviews.
    • Interviewer 1 noticed that Biden was 'stiffer physically' and had 'watery, glassy eyes', leaving them with the impression that he is old.
    • Biden granted fewer interviews than any other American president in modern history.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only quotes two anonymous sources and does not provide any context or evidence beyond their opinions. The author also uses emotional manipulation by implying that Biden's mental health is a significant issue and that the media is covering it up.
    • I was left with the impression that he is old, and it's impossible not to notice this and be focused on it.
    • His eyes were watery, once seemed maybe irritated, a bit glassy.
    • The first interviewer, who has had several interactions with Biden over the years, saw that he was 'stiffer physically'.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (90%)
    The author, Joseph Wulfsohn, expresses a clear bias towards the idea that President Biden's mental health is in decline and that this is a newsworthy issue. He quotes an anonymous interviewer who shares their own observations of Biden's physical appearance and demeanor during interviews, implying that these observations support the notion of mental decline. The author does not provide any counter-evidence or perspectives to challenge this bias.
    • His eyes were watery, once seemed maybe irritated, a bit glassy.
      • President Biden’s mental acuity has dominated the news cycle following last month’s disastrous debate performance.
        • The first interviewer, who has had several interactions with Biden over the years, saw that he was 'stiffer physically' when interviewing him this year.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        95%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        What are cognitive tests and how easy are they?

        BBC News Site: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68702081, About Us URL: https://www.bbc.com/aboutthebbc/ Ana Faguy Wednesday, 10 July 2024 10:07
        • Unique Points
          • The American Academy of Neurology recommends doctors assess people older than 65 for their cognitive abilities.
          • By age 75, 25% of patients will have a cognitive disorder of some kind.
        • Accuracy
          • Cognitive tests don’t determine a specific disease but help signal if additional tests are needed for diagnosis.
          • The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a quick way to assess cognitive skills in people with suspected deficits.
          • Longer clinical evaluations include cognitive tests plus a physical and neurological exam and a full history of the patient.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        76%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Biden’s physician was also a family business associate

        Politico News Site Name: POLITICO Full Legal Name of News Site: Politico LLC Location of News Site: Washington D.C., USA Monday, 08 July 2024 00:00
        • Unique Points
          • President Joe Biden's White House physician, Kevin O’Connor, is a family intimate and one-time business associate of the president’s brother.
          • O’Connor introduced Jim Biden to a military-focused medical team and accompanied him to a meeting with a hospital president.
          • O’Connor described their shared vision in an email to the hospital president following the business meeting.
          • Sara Biden, the president’s sister-in-law, described O’Connor as a ‘friend’ who frequently doled out medical advice to her family.
          • O’Connor emailed more than a dozen members of the Biden clan after Joe Biden left the vice presidency, saying ‘You’ve all been a really important part of my life’.
          • Jim Biden began pursuing health care ventures with Americore and hoped to use their facilities to house veterans seeking treatment for alcoholism and PTSD.
          • O’Connor introduced Jim Biden to the leader of a group that screened for PTSD on military bases.
          • Jim Biden and O’Connor met with Beverly Annarumo, president of a hospital in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, that Americore soon acquired.
        • Accuracy
          No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
        • Deception (30%)
          The article reports on the close personal and business relationships between President Biden and his White House physician, Kevin O'Connor. This relationship creates a conflict of interest that could potentially influence O'Connor's assessment and reporting of Biden's health to the public. The article also mentions several instances where O'Connor provided medical advice to members of the Biden family, including Joe Biden himself before he became president.
          • Experts in presidential health said the close personal bonds between the Bidens and Kevin O’Connor intensify the inherent conflicts in relying on the White House physician to accurately convey the state of his employer’s health to the public.
          • ,
        • Fallacies (80%)
          The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when it states that 'experts in presidential health' say the close personal bonds between the Bidens and Kevin O'Connor intensify the inherent conflicts in relying on him to accurately convey Biden's health to the public. This is an appeal to authority because it relies on the opinion of unnamed experts without providing any evidence or reasoning as to why their opinions are valid or reliable.
          • ]experts in presidential health[
          • The close personal bonds between the Bidens and Kevin O'Connor intensify the inherent conflicts in relying on him to accurately convey Biden's health to the public.
        • Bias (75%)
          The article describes the close personal and business relationships between President Biden and his White House physician, Kevin O'Connor. While there is no direct quote from the author expressing bias or making derogatory statements about one side, the repeated use of phrases like 'inherent conflicts,' 'compounds the problem,' and 'fool's game' implies a negative assessment of relying on O'Connor to accurately convey Biden's health status to the public due to their personal ties. This could be seen as an example of ideological bias, as it suggests a skepticism towards the trustworthiness of information coming from someone with close ties to a political figure.
          • ]experts in presidential health said the close personal bonds between the Bidens and Kevin O’Connor intensify the inherent conflicts in relying on the White House physician to accurately convey the state of his employer’s health to the public.[
            • We cannot depend on the presidential physician to come clean. That's a fool's game.
              • You’re working for the guy you’re examining, and he’s your buddy. It’s just a lose-lose situation.[
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication