The topic of a President’s health and wellbeing is always of national and international concern given the gravity of the office. While I am not a medical professional, it’s important to note that any signs of frailty or lapses in a President’s physical or mental state are likely to be scrutinized closely.

President Joe Biden’s stumbling on the stairs could be seen in a number of ways. For some, it will be a non-event, perhaps caused by the wind, as cited by White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Stumbles and falls are common, particularly among older individuals, and don’t necessarily indicate an underlying health issue. For others, especially those who are already skeptical about Biden’s fitness for office, this episode will feed into a narrative that questions whether he is physically up to the job.

However, isolated incidents like this can be misleading. Unless there is a pattern of such incidents or additional medical information that raises concerns, it may be premature to read too much into this single event.

It’s important to note that Biden has had a medical team examining him and has made his medical records public to some extent. The White House maintains that he is fit for the presidency, both physically and mentally. In the absence of credible medical information to the contrary, there’s no definitive reason to doubt this.

As for the political implications, it’s not surprising that opponents would seize on this event to criticize Biden or question his fitness for office, just as supporters of Biden pointed to instances they viewed as concerning during President Trump’s time in office. The health of the President, whether it’s Biden or anyone else, is a legitimate area of public concern, but it’s also one that’s prone to political exploitation.

That said, any significant or recurring issues related to the President’s health should be transparently communicated to the public, given the implications for governance and national security.