Joe Biden can’t stop coughing.
Today, during his speech on taxing the rich, he had to pause several times to cough into his hand (not exactly proper COVID protocol).
Watch:
This afternoon, during her press briefing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked by Kelly O’Donnell of NBC News about his constant coughing: “Many of us were in the East Room watching the president, we’ve seen him on many occasions where he had a repeated cough. What is the situation with that cough and is it a concern?”
“It’s not a concern,” Psaki snapped back.
She tried to assure the media that his repeated coughing fits are nothing to worry about. “We have a doctor who travels with him, obviously who checks in if it is ever warranted, and certainly that continues to be the case, as it has been since the beginning of his presidency,” she responded.
D’Donnell continued to press Psaki, “Is there an explanation for why he coughs so frequently in situations like that?”
“I don’t think it’s an issue of concern,” she said, adding, “I think there are a range of reasons why we may need to clear our throat or we may have a little light cold, and that’s certainly something that presidents, elected officials, reporters, spokespeople can confront.”
Watch:
Reporter asks @PressSec about Biden's cough pic.twitter.com/2MdeAPr9Uo
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 16, 2021
New York Post reports- Later in the briefing, Psaki was asked when Biden would get a physical examination.
“I know this is an understandable question. I don’t have an update. He will get one soon. And when he does, we will make sure you all are aware of it and get the information,” she said.
Biden, 78, often stops during speeches or public remarks to clear his throat.
It’s become so common that the hashtag #Bidencough exists on social media.
“Biden coughing, gagging and phlegm gurgling is making me ill. Every television speech full of this. Give the man water PLEASE,” one user wrote on Twitter after the president’s East Room speech.
Biden coughing,gagging and phlegm gurgling is making me ill. 🤢 Every television speech full of this. Give the man water PLEASE. #BidenPhlegm #BidenCough #BidenNeedsWater
— Beckett (@Kokomodreams) September 16, 2021