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Donald Trump, Joe Biden Should Take Cognitive Tests: Lindsey Graham

 July 8, 2024

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has called for both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden to undertake neurological exams to confirm their respective capability to serve as commander in chief.

The senator expressed these concerns during an interview on CBS's Face the Nation with Robert Costa, in which he highlighted the potential national security implications of President Biden’s health and strongly suggested cognitive testing for both hopefuls, as Breitbart reports.

Graham Raises Concerns Over Biden's Health

Graham did not hold back when he voiced his apprehensions regarding Biden's mental and physical fitness. Graham suggested that both President Biden and former President Trump should be subjected to neurological exams as part of their physical assessments.

The longtime lawmaker emphasized that ensuring the health of the president is crucial for national security. “Well, I think most of us are concerned with the national security implications of this debate about President Biden’s health,” he stated.

The senator pointed out that about 70% of the public reportedly believes that President Biden is not mentally and physically capable of performing the duties required of a president. This figure, Graham noted, is concerning for the future leadership and stability of the country.

Graham Shares Public Opinion and Personal Experiences

During the interview, Graham also highlighted that he has recently spent time with Trump, engaging in activities such as playing golf. He contrasted his experiences with Trump to the public's perception of Biden's capabilities.

The Republican senator underscored that the same 70% of the population referenced earlier also believes the nation is on the wrong track. He expressed that the current concerns extend beyond the upcoming elections, touching on immediate worries about Biden being the commander in chief for the next several months.

“Most Democrats are worried about Biden winning the election. I’m worried about Biden -- Biden being the commander in chief for the next four months,” Graham said, alluding to his security concerns.

Upcoming NATO Meeting and Past Events

Graham also brought attention to the upcoming NATO meeting in Washington next week, suggesting that the international community is closely monitoring the state of the Biden administration. He mentioned past events, such as the attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7 and President Biden's interview with then-special counsel Robert Hur on Oct. 8, as significant dates of interest.

He called for the release of the tapes of Biden’s interview with Hur, arguing that it would provide needed transparency. “[They] determined him to be a nice man with a bad memory and you couldn’t convince a jury. He did anything wrong. I want those tapes released,” Graham remarked.

Graham reiterated his stance on the need for neurological exams for all candidates aiming for the presidency and those in the line of succession. “So what I’d like to see is President Biden take a cognitive test. I think everybody going forward in the line of succession should—,” he added. His comments reflect an increasing demand for such evaluations in future political races.

Comparing with Historical Predecessors

The senator further compared the current situation to his predecessor, Senator Strom Thurman, who served as speaker pro tem of the upper chamber at the age of 100. By drawing this comparison, Graham highlighted how age and mental acuity have long been influential factors in leadership roles.

“My predecessor, Senator Thurman was a very vigorous man, but he was 100. He was the speaker pro tem of the Senate,” Graham stated. This analogy illustrated the importance of verifying the cognitive abilities of those in power.

Graham positioned these suggestions as necessary measures for national security, underscoring the need to prepare the leadership for various critical circumstances. “We need to make sure that the people who are going to be in the line of succession are capable of being commander in chief under dire circumstances,” he said.

Graham Expresses Broader Concerns

The senator expressed broader concerns about the United States' position on the global stage. He worried that allied nations might see President Biden as compromised, which could influence their support and strategies.

“Here’s what I worry about, that our allies see a compromised Joe Biden, that our enemies see a compromised Joe Biden, and I’m offended by the idea that he shouldn’t take a competency test given all the evidence in front of us,” Graham disclosed. This sentiment reflects growing concern about the perception and efficacy of the current administration.

“He is not only in denial, this is a dangerous time for the American people to have somebody at the ship -- leading the ship of state who seems to be compromised,” added Graham. His statement suggests that the risks extend beyond perception, affecting the country's strategic planning and execution.

Conclusion: A Call for Cognitive Tests

Graham concluded by reiterating his call for both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to take cognitive tests. He suggested that these assessments should become a standard part of the physical exams for all future presidential nominees and those in the line of succession.

“So at a minimum, take a competency exam for both President Biden and Trump,” Graham insisted. His persistent advocacy for these tests underscores his dedication to ensuring the mental health and stability of the nation's leadership.

Graham’s remarks on CBS’s Face the Nation reflect a growing bipartisan concern about the current administration's health and preparedness. As the United States approaches critical international meetings and ongoing domestic challenges, such suggested evaluations aim to bolster national security and public confidence in political leaders’ abilities.