ALL THE PRESIDENT'S PHLEGM
JOE Biden said on Friday that he has a cold, which he caught from kissing his grandson.
Biden coughed his way through a speech at The White House, where he spoke about November's jobs numbers and the new coronavirus strain.
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Attentive viewers noticed that the president had a hoarse voice, and speculated online about his health before Biden confirmed he was battling a cold.
“I am ok. I have a test every day, a COVID test, checking for all the strands. What I have is a one-and-a-half-year-old grandson who had a cold who likes to kiss his Pop. And he’s been kissing me — anyway, it’s just a cold," the president said.
Just weeks ago, Biden had a health scare following a colonoscopy.
The president had a polyp that was "benign" but thought to be "pre-cancerous" removed after having a routine check-up.
Physician Kevin O'Connor said that the growth was "similar to the polyp which he had removed in 2008."
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The doctor added that "no further action is required at this time."
Biden should receive another colonoscopy in 7 to ten years, he said.
A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum that could indicate cancer.
While the president underwent the routine procedure, he briefly transferred power to Vice President Kamala Harris.
The brief stint made Harris the first woman to hold presidential power in US history.
Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement: "As was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and following the process set out in the Constitution, President Biden will transfer power to the Vice President for the brief period of time when he is under anesthesia.
"The Vice President will work from her office in the West Wing during this time."
At 11.35am Biden spoke with Harris and Chief of Staff Ronald Klain to take back his power, according to Psaki.
She added that the president was "in good spirits" and that he would remain at the hospital for a brief time to complete his routine physical.
Fears for Biden's health were mounting earlier this year after his abundance of falls and brain aneurysms.
Worrying footage taken back in March showed the president, 78, tripping on the stairs just months after injuring his foot.
Late last year, Biden was forced to wear the protective boot for "several weeks" after x-rays revealed a "hairline fracture" in his foot.
"On Saturday, Nov. 28, President-elect Biden slipped while playing with his dog Major, and twisted his ankle," a pool report at the time said.
"Out of an abundance of caution, he will be examined this afternoon by an orthopedist."
In a statement to MSNBC, Dr Kevin O'Connor said: "Follow-up CT scan confirmed hairline (small) fractures of President-elect Biden’s lateral and intermediate cuneiform bones, which are in the mid-foot."
HEALTH CONCERNS GROW
After an initial examination, Biden was sent to an orthopedist for a CT scan, which revealed the fracture.
The president has also previously undergone several sinus surgeries, alongside having his gallbladder and several non-melanoma skin cancers removed.
Biden also suffered from two brain aneurysms in the late 1980 - one of which ruptured.
His condition was later complicated by deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism but does not currently pose a serious threat to his health.
However, in a 2019 medical summary, Dr Kevin O'Connor of The George Washington University dubbed the president as "healthy" and "vigorous."
O'Connor added that Biden does not smoke or drink alcohol, and exercises five times a week.
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At the time of the exam, Biden was 5 foot 11, weighed 178 pounds, with a blood pressure of 128/84.
At the time, he was taking blood thinners and medication for acid reflux, cholesterol, and seasonal allergies. It is unclear what medication he is currently on if any.
Joe Biden awkwardly reads 'end of quote' cue off teleprompter in latest embarrassing gaffe
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