Biden's Doctor Declares Him 'Healthy,' Fit for Office
Vice President Harris was briefly in power as Biden underwent anesthesia during routine checkup 
U.S. President Joe Biden is "healthy" and fit for duty following a routine checkup, according to his doctor. In a letter released by the White House, White House physician Kevin O'Connor said Biden "remains a healthy, vigorous, 78-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." Biden, who turns 79 on Saturday, briefly transferred the power of the presidency to Vice President Kamala Harris while he underwent a colonoscopy during Friday's exam. The procedure, which required anesthesia, led to Harris' becoming the first woman to hold presidential power in the United States. O'Connor said the colonoscopy found a polyp that appeared to be benign. It was removed, he said, and an examination of the growth will likely be completed by next week. He also highlighted two areas of the president's health that he addressed during the exam: Biden's increased instances of "throat clearing" and a stiffening of his gait. O'Connor attributed the former to gastroesophageal reflux and the latter to spinal arthritis and "mild peripheral neuropathy," or loss of some sensation in the feet. "The President's gait appears to be perceptibly stiffer and less fluid than it has been in the past. He does specifically acknowledge early morning stiffness that improves throughout the day," O'Connor said. During the routine medical exam, Biden underwent numerous tests, including blood, gastrointestinal and neurological examinations. O'Connor reported that Biden does not use tobacco products, does not drink alcohol and exercises at least five days per week. As Biden left his checkup at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, he said he was feeling "great!"