Biden's doctor affirms President's mental acuity amidst his reelection decision

Vartha Bharati | 26-07-2024 | 19:29:00 IST

US President Joe Biden | PC: PTI

Washington D.C.: Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the physician to President Joe Biden, defended the President's mental acuity on Thursday, describing it as "excellent." This statement comes shortly after Biden announced his decision not to seek reelection, a move that surprised many.

In an encounter with the New York Post on the White House driveway, O'Connor was asked about the health of the 81-year-old President. "It's excellent," O'Connor responded. When questioned about whether this might change before the end of Biden's term, O'Connor replied, "I hope not."

The New York Post further inquired about the President's mental cognition. "It's excellent," reiterated O'Connor, who has not briefed the press since Biden took office more than three years ago. When asked why no cognitive test had been performed, O'Connor stated, "We don't need to. He's here every day."

Speculation had arisen concerning a possible connection to Parkinson's disease following reports that an expert on the condition visited the White House eight times over eight months, meeting at least once with Biden's physician. However, O'Connor dismissed these rumors, affirming, "No, he's good."

Earlier this month, the White House refuted claims that Biden was being treated for Parkinson's, describing such assumptions as "incorrectly assumed and insinuated."

Biden's decision to step down came after a challenging debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump on June 27. He officially withdrew from the race on Sunday, citing concerns over his mental acuity and health. Biden is the first U.S. President to step down so late in the election cycle and under such circumstances.

Vice President Kamala Harris has assumed the position, becoming the first woman Vice President in American history. Her nomination is set for August 19 during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.

First-ever life-size Vivekananda statue in US unveiled in Seattle

12-04-2026 ¦ 12-04-2026 IST

Photo: PTI

New York (PTI): The first-ever life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda in the US was unveiled in Seattle, honouring the renowned Indian philosopher and spiritual leader.

The life-size bronze statue, installed at the busy Westlake Square in downtown Seattle, is the first such installation hosted by a city government anywhere in the US, officials said.

Sculpted by Indian artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat, it was jointly unveiled on Saturday by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta.

"From Chicago 1893 to Seattle 2026! Seattle's skyline has a new Indian icon: Swami Vivekananda! City of Seattle becomes the first city government to host the Swami Vivekananda Monument in the heart of downtown Seattle," the Consulate General of India in Seattle said in a social media post.

Addressing the event, Wilson said the monument reflects Seattle's inclusive spirit and strengthens cultural ties between India and the diverse metropolitan tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest.

The statue has been gifted by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the City of Seattle in recognition of its "in recognition of the city’s rich multicultural character and spirit of inclusivity", the Indian mission in Seattle said in a statement.

The unveiling of the statue was held on the occasion of the celebration of ICCR Day and is part of India's broader cultural diplomacy initiatives aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties between India and the US Pacific Northwest, the Consulate said.

Located at the bustling Westlake Square, which sees over 400,000 visitors daily, the monument stands near prominent landmarks including the Amazon headquarters ‘Spheres’, the Seattle Convention Centre and the Seattle Centre Monorail.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by several local leaders, including mayors from cities in the Greater Seattle area, community representatives and members of the Indian-American diaspora.

Swami Vivekananda had delivered his historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, introducing Hindu philosophy to a global audience.