It had the potential to be the colonoscopy that brought down a nation, or least sent it into a dizzying, er, tailspin.
Vice President Kamala Harris found herself temporarily in charge of the country early Friday morning, when President Joe Biden went under anesthesia for a colonoscopy as part of his annual physical, reported the Daily Mail.
But while given control, she wasn’t exactly handed the keys to the office; the White House said Harris would work out of her office in the West Wing, meaning she will not be in the Oval Office as she assumes presidential power.
Harris’ brief stint with presidential power came as reports swirled about a growing rift between Biden and Harris, with the Veep being jettisoned as part of the fallout. The White House denied any problems existed, and insisted that both Biden and Harris were content with their respective performances.
That’s in sharp contrast to the growing public discontent with both Biden and Harris, as their poll numbers continue to plummet. Particularly relevant to the timing of the 79-year-old Biden’s annual physical, voters are increasingly doubtful about Biden’s health and mental fitness.
“Only 40 percent of voters surveyed agreed with the statement that Biden “is in good health,” while 50 percent disagreed,” according to a Politico/Morning Consult poll.
And that was before the president’s big anesthesia slumber for a colonoscopy.
As required by section three of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, Biden will sign a letter to the president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives saying he is unable to discharge his duties while under anesthesia and designate Harris, according to the Daily Mail.
Biden will send them another letter upon the conclusion of the procedure, noting he has resumed his duties of office. Biden underwent the physical and colonoscopy at Walter Reed Military Center.
White House mouthpiece Jen Psaki said the same process “was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007.”
Well, not exactly; former Vice President Dick Cheney actually had the gravitas, experience and knowledge to handle the temporary presidential authority he was handed.
Harris should stick to cupcakes and tree equity.
