Table of Contents
It’s no secret that age is a big topic of discussion in the 2024 presidential election. With both Donald Trump and Joe Biden getting on in years, Americans are questioning their capability to see through the next term, regardless of the winner. Some medical experts are stepping forward and warning that Trump may be in worse shape than some think and are calling on others to share their opinions.
One Psychologist Is Trying to Start a Movement
After paying close attention to Donald Trump over the years, and particularly in recent years, one psychologist believes he knows what’s happening. Dr. John Gartner explains that Trump is “very manic,” and there’s a reason for that.
He’s got all this energy and charisma. But actually, he’s more like the Wizard of Oz. He appears strong, but pay no attention to that demented man behind the curtain. Once you pull that curtain away and people see him for who he really is, not strong but so cognitively weak, I would say he’s no longer just unfit for the job — he’s now incapable of doing the job.
Dr. John Gartner, Mirror.com
The one-time, part-time assistant professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University Medical School decided on an ideal way to reach a conclusion. Unable to examine the former president himself, he sought the opinion of esteemed colleagues.
In Early March, Dr. Gartner Started a Change.org Position Regarding Donald Trump
Dr. John Gartner wanted to see if others agreed with his estimation that Donald Trump may be battling dementia. In his Change.org petition, he called for licensed medical and mental health professionals to share their thoughts. He asks them to sign if they agree with the dangers posed by a president with dementia taking office. Those who assign agree to the following sentiment:
We, the undersigned licensed medical and mental health professionals concur: From our years of training and experience, we are convinced that, while a definitive diagnosis would require further testing, Donald Trump is showing unmistakable signs strongly suggesting dementia, based on his public behavior and informant reports that show progressive deterioration in memory, thinking, ability to use language, behavior, and both gross and fine motor skills.
Change.org
Dr. Gartner shared his belief that “thousands of other medical professionals … are doing what I’m doing, and they’re screaming at their televisions.” As for Joe Biden, Dr. Gartner believes his occasional gaffes can be attributed to more common signs of aging. He notes this is different than living with a degenerative condition such as dementia.
Trump himself has not commented on the petition. He has championed himself as a healthy and energetic option for office. It will be interesting to see if the opinions of many physicians bear weight in the continued public discussion of both candidates’ health.