The new most powerful people in US politics: Biden's doctors
Speaking with BET News on Wednesday, Joe Biden said he would revaluate running for the presidency if "some medical condition" emerged.
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- Joe Biden said he would reconsider running for president if he was advised by his doctors.
- The president previously pushed back against criticism of his cognitive abilities.
- The 81-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
It's been three weeks since Joe Biden's shaky debate against Donald Trump prompted calls for him to drop out.
Since then, 81-year-old and his inner circle have repeatedly pushed back against criticism of his cognitive abilities and his age.
But it turns out that one group of people could convince the president to call it quits: his doctors.
Speaking with BET News' Ed Gordon on Wednesday, Biden was asked which circumstances would cause him to reevaluate running for the presidency.
"If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody — if doctors came to me and said you got this problem, that problem," Biden responded.
"The only thing age brings is a little bit of wisdom. And I think I've demonstrated that I know how to get things done," Biden said later in the interview, adding that he is "reluctant" to walk away from the race.
Biden didn't elaborate on what kind of medical condition would spur him to reconsider running for president, though it's worth noting that he has previously rejected the idea of taking a cognitive test.
Hours after the interview aired, the White House announced that the president had tested positive for COVID-19.
It's the third time in the past two years that the president has contracted the virus.
"Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms. He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
"The White House will provide regular updates on the President's status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation."