WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – As Democrats in Congress discuss the future of President Joe Biden’s candidacy, Republicans are watching developments.
“From a political standpoint, you would think we would enjoy this. But we don’t. I don’t enjoy it,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican of Louisiana).
Speaker Johnson says his party is concerned about the president’s ability to hold the Oval Office.
“It’s not a good situation for us to have a commander in chief who is not at his best,” Johnson said.
Johnson says he is opposed to any legislation that would remove the president from office using the 25th Amendment.th Amendment. He says this should come from the Vice President and the Cabinet.
However, Republican lawmakers are trying to question the White House doctor, who says the president is fit for office.
“We have a lot of questions for the doctor,” said Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky.
Congressman James Comer of Kentucky has asked Dr. Kevin O’Connor to testify. O’Connor wrote in a February investigation and reiterated in a memo Monday that his examination of the president found no neurological disorders.
“Because I don’t believe that what you read in this letter is what the American people expect from a president who is in top physical and mental shape,” Comer said.
Casey Burgat, assistant professor in the legislative program at George Washington University, says it helps Republicans keep the concerns top of mind.
“There is a famous saying in politics: If your opponent is drowning, don’t throw him a lifebuoy,” said Burgat.
He says it is ultimately up to President Biden to convince voters that he is available for another term and that every appearance counts.
“It’s going to be a really tough road for us to overcome,” Burgat said.
