A significant number of voters suspect that Vice President Kamala Harris was aware of—and concealed—President Joe Biden’s alleged cognitive health issues.
This information comes from a YouGov/Times of London poll that questioned 1,170 registered voters on July 22 and July 23.
Of those who believe Biden’s health issues were hidden, a remarkable 92% think the vice president was fully aware of the conditions.
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In total, 68% of those surveyed believe Biden’s decline was something Harris noticed.
“I can’t speculate on what thoughts Kamala may have had or how she coped with Joe Biden’s situation,” remarked Jonathan Alpert, a New York City psychotherapist and author, in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Many voters suspect Vice President Kamala Harris was aware of President Joe Biden’s reported cognitive health issues. (Getty Images)
“It’s possible that Kamala might have missed any cognitive changes, particularly since she sees him regularly,” Alpert, who has not treated Biden, stated.
“However, this is all conjecture, and we lack any definitive diagnosis.”
Judy Gaman, CEO of Executive Medicine of Texas, has previously discussed with Fox News Digital the shortcomings of those around Biden in seeking the necessary help for the president.
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“They may be in disbelief and have observed this decline over time, making them less perceptive to notable changes, or they understand but dread the implications for the family if Joe is no longer in office,” remarked Gaman, who also has no history of treating the current president.
Health Concerns Surrounding Biden
Although discussions regarding his potential cognitive decline have been ongoing, this topic gained more visibility following the June 27 presidential debate, where Biden exhibited signs of disjointed speech and a lack of coherent thought during a live national broadcast.
The 81-year-old president has also seemed to “freeze” on stage during various public events.
A recent survey revealed that among those who believe Biden’s potential health issues have been kept secret, a staggering 92% conclude that the vice president was likely aware of the situation. (Getty Images)
In mid-July, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and reportedly experienced symptoms such as a “runny nose and non-productive cough, along with general malaise,” according to a report from the White House.
On July 23, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s personal physician, issued a letter confirming that the president’s symptoms had subsided, and he would “continue to be monitored for any recurrence.”
68% of poll participants feel Biden’s cognitive decline was something Harris noticed.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has mentioned that Biden has consulted with a neurologist multiple times as part of regular health evaluations, and he is not undergoing treatment for any neurological conditions.
The Perils of Denial
Outside of political discussions, family members and close ones often struggle to acknowledge signs of cognitive decline and potential dementia, experts advise.
“Consult any family affected by Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s, and they’ll likely tell you that the scenario we’re witnessing [here] is typical for most families facing such conditions,” Gaman noted, sharing her own experiences with a mother who had Alzheimer’s disease.
Concerns regarding Biden’s cognitive abilities intensified after the June 27 presidential debate, where he displayed inconsistencies in speech and coherence. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images; ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images; Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“His case is simply being played out on a larger platform,” Gaman continued. “Keep in mind, those who are surrounding Biden and shielding the truth have their own personal stakes in him remaining in office.”
As noted by Alpert, there could be instances where signs of decline are genuinely overlooked.
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“Typically, family members who see their loved one frequently may not notice cognitive declines as clearly as those who see them less often,” he explained.
“For example, someone who visits their grandmother once a year during holidays is more likely to notice a decline compared to someone who sees her monthly.”
“If family and close friends are in denial about an individual’s cognitive decline, it can significantly delay proper diagnosis and care.”
This is due to the gradual onset of cognitive decline, he elaborated.
“Initial signs may be subtle and easily misinterpreted as a part of normal aging or stress.”
In some situations, the person experiencing decline might develop coping mechanisms that mask the symptoms to those nearby, according to Alpert.
“While it might be simpler to ignore the signs in the short term, in the long run, denial leads to more stress for loved ones as the condition deteriorates,” a psychologist stated. (iStock)
Experts concur that withholding acknowledgment of cognitive decline is ultimately detrimental.
“If family members and close partners are denying a loved one’s cognitive decline, this can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment,” Alpert cautioned.
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“Dismissive attitudes toward glaring issues as ‘just a bad day’ or claims that ‘everyone forgets at times’ fail to benefit the individual and only hinder access to the necessary resources and management strategies,” he added.
Postponing treatment could also introduce safety hazards, according to experts.
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“While ignoring problems may seem easier in the moment, denial ultimately contributes to greater stress for relatives as the issue worsens,” Alpert emphasized.
“Often, obtaining an accurate medical diagnosis gives the clinical validation that patients need to feel genuinely understood.”
Delaying treatment can pose significant safety risks for those experiencing cognitive decline, as stated by experts. (iStock)
According to Alpert, some of his patients report numerous symptoms but remain unsure of the underlying issues.
“Once I confirm the diagnosis, they often express relief in knowing that their symptoms are grounded in genuine medical or psychological conditions, rather than being merely fabricated,” he noted.
For Biden, the consequences of denying the possibility of a cognitive disorder could extend beyond personal health risks, impacting the nation as well, experts warn.
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If Biden is facing cognitive decline, neglecting to provide the necessary medical attention could jeopardize his health, Gaman asserts.
“From a national perspective, we need to view this as a health issue rather than a political one,” she stated.
President Biden departs Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on July 23, 2024, marking his first public appearance after announcing the withdrawal from the presidential race. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Furthermore, Gaman pointed out that if Biden has such a condition, he may lack awareness of the necessity to ask for assistance.
“This represents a critical opportunity to amplify funding for research, enhance awareness and encourage those facing similar situations to break free from denial.”
We must “encourage others dealing with this to come out of denial.”
Gaman emphasizes that she is not attempting to diagnose the president, but rather urging the country to initiate discussions on neurodegenerative diseases, “especially given their rising prevalence.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris campaign for comments but did not receive a response.
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In earlier discussions with Fox News Digital, the White House press office stated that “health was not a factor” in Biden’s decision to exit the 2024 presidential race.
“He is eager to complete his term and achieve more historic outcomes for the American public,” the White House affirmed.
