U.S. President Joe Biden underwent a colonoscopy at the hospital yesterday (Friday). Prior to the test, which was under anesthesia, Biden handed over his powers to his deputy Camel Harris. The White House said the president’s powers were transferred to Harris yesterday at 10:10 a.m. (local time) Biden returned to serve as president at 11:35 p.m.
Biden, who is celebrating his 79th birthday today, underwent a periodic series of tests yesterday at Walter Reed Military Hospital in the suburbs of Washington. White House spokeswoman Jen Saki said that after the invasive test, the U.S. president spoke with Camela Harris and Ron Klein, the White House chief of staff, and was in a good mood. Saki said that during the 85 minutes she served as president, Harris worked from her office in the West Wing of the White House.
Harris is the first vice president in American history. No woman has yet served as president of the United States. Debbie Walsh, head of the Center for Women and American Politics Research Institute, said the event should not be considered the first time a woman has served as president, but a reminder of Harris’s senior position. The president’s authority when he is unable to perform his duties. “This is not the presidency yet. The glass ceiling has not yet shattered, “Walsh said.
Biden is the oldest president in American history. His series of tests lasted more than five hours yesterday, and was his first since being sworn in as president in January.
Saki noted that the circumstances in which the president transferred his powers are not unprecedented, and that he acted in accordance with an amendment to the constitution. George W. Bush also transferred his powers when he underwent colonoscopy tests, in 2002 and 2007.
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