Biden underwent colonoscopy and transferred powers to Kamala Harris for 1h25 – The HuffPost

via Associated Press

UNITED STATES – US President Joe Biden underwent a “routine” colonoscopy on Friday, November 19, an examination under General anaesthesia. During her operation, her prerogatives were transferred temporarily to her vice-president, Kamala harris, for an hour and 25 minutes, announced the White House.

The letters to the “pro tempore” President of the Senate and to the Head of the House of Representatives, announcing this transfer of power under the conditions provided for by the Constitution, were sent at 10:10 am Washington time (4:10 pm French time), and Joe Biden resumed its prerogatives at 11:35 local time (17:35 GMT), said the spokesperson of the American executive Jen Psaki.

She clarified that Joe Biden remained for the moment at Walter Reed Hospital, near Washington, for the continuation of a check-up “of routine”. Friday, the schedule for the president, who turns 79 on Saturday, called for him to pardon two turkeys for Thanksgiving in accordance with tradition, before leaving for the weekend.

.@POTUS spoke with @VP and @WHCOS at approximately 11:35 am this morning. @POTUS was in good spirits and at that time resumed his duties. He will remain at Walter Reed as he completes the rest of his physical routine.

– Jen Psaki (@PressSec) November 19, 2021

“As was the case when the president George W. Bush underwent the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and in accordance with the procedure provided by the Constitution, President Biden will transfer his powers to the Vice President for a short period, while he is under anesthesia, ”the executive added. .

For the first time in history, a woman will be president of the United States.

Kamala Harris will be in this role temporarily, while Joe Biden’s colonoscopy is taking place.

– thomas snegaroff (@thomassnegaroff) November 19, 2021

This examination, intended to identify abnormalities in the colon, is part of the President’s first health check-up. Details of this check-up will be released in the afternoon, Washington time, the US executive said. Joe Biden, who does not smoke or drink, is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and received his third dose at the end of September.

He is the oldest president in U.S. history and has made it public that he counts apply for own succession in 2024, but his age is fueling speculation that he might give up.

See also on The HuffPost: Joe Biden mocked and criticized for dozing off at Cop26