Why Biden’s Electoral College Victory Speech Has His Supporters Worried

A speech from President-elect Joe Biden on his victory in the Electoral College was meant to stoke unity, but it again sparked concerns about the health of the 78-year-old.

Biden addressed the nation Monday evening after he cleared the 270 votes in the Electoral College needed to assume the presidency in January. In a decidedly toxic political culture, Biden made a pledge to unify the country.

“I sought this office to restore the soul of America,” he said.

But it was his vocalizations of a different kind, a hoarse voice and persistent cough, that caught the attention of the viewing public.

“ I have a little bit of a cold,” the president-elect said.

Comments on social media showed viewers concerned about the president-elect’s health, with some wondering if he needed a test for COVID-19. Others suggested his overall message was lost amid brief coughing spells.

Others said the future first lady, Jill Biden, who has a doctorate in education, should examine her husband. No matter the message, others said, coughs during the pandemic are scary.

Appearing Tuesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the country, said Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris should receieve the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

“For security reasons, I really feel strongly that we should get them vaccinated as soon as we possibly can,” he said.

Biden’s age and physical well-being have been a lingering concern for the voting public. The oldest person ever to assume the presidency, Biden was put in a supportive boot in late November after suffering a hairline foot fracture while playing with one of his two German shepherds.

In 1988, when he was 65, Biden had emergency brain surgery for an aneurysm in an artery and another elective surgery for a second one. Doctor’s in December 2019 described him as “healthy” and “vigorous,” though he is on blood thinners to prevent the risk from blood clots, NPR reported at the time.

After initial tallies showed he was likely victorious, Biden trotted on stage during an event in Delaware in early November.