'Leave neuro stuff to someone else': Roger Marshall shredded for suggesting Biden's choice of shoes could indicate Parkinson's

Roger Marshall, a former ob-gyn, defended his speculation despite his specialty having little overlap with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s
UPDATED JUL 9, 2024
Senator Roger Marshall has suggested that Joe Biden’s shoes could be a sign that the president has Parkinson’s disease (Getty Images)
Senator Roger Marshall has suggested that Joe Biden’s shoes could be a sign that the president has Parkinson’s disease (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Roger Marshall has raised eyebrows by suggesting that President Joe Biden’s choice of footwear might be indicative of Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder characterized by tremors in hands and feet.

"People have taken a good look at the fact that he used to wear dress shoes," said Fox Business’s Cheryl Casone in an interview with Marshall. "Now he wears those tennis shoes. Does this all factor into what you’re hearing and seeing?"

NEW CASTLE, DE - JULY 21: Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks a
Joe Biden is facing increasing calls to step aside amid concerns about his age and mental fitness (Getty Images)

Roger Marshall suggests Joe Biden may have Parkinson's based on his shoes

"Exactly, first of all, there’s several different types of Parkinson’s," Marshall responded. "Some of them have a bigger impact on his cognitive abilities than other types of Parkinson’s do. So, again, if there’s nothing to hide, then the president should do a cognitive test."

"My guess is he has done one. Certainly, they’ve done a neurological examination. That would be part of an annual examination.… I guarantee you that this Parkinson’s disease doctor that showed up did an in-depth neurological exam—and America deserves to know," Marshall continued. "Again, I don’t know if the president has Parkinson’s or not, but we’re concerned about it. And four years is a long time."



 

Senator Marshall, a former ob-gyn, defended his speculation despite his medical specialty having little overlap with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s. Marshall’s comments appear to stem from reports of a neurologist specializing in movement disorders making multiple visits to the White House from last summer to spring. It remains unclear whether these visits were routine or specific to Biden’s health. The White House has denied that Biden has Parkinson’s.

During a recent interview with ABC News’s George Stephanopoulos, Biden rejected calls for a cognitive test, asserting that the demands of the presidency serve as a daily test of his capabilities. “I have a cognitive test every single day,” Biden stated. “Everything I do. Not only am I campaigning, I am running the world.”

However, Marshall did hint at Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential future role, saying, "Any way you look at this, I think we end up with Kamala Harris as the president, either going into the future or the nominee now."

Netizens criticize Roger Marshall's remarks on Joe Biden's footwear and health

A social media user tweeted, "George H.W. Bush was president with parkinsons, they didn't have an issue with him."

Another said, "Marshall is an OB/GYN, just the sort of specialist you need to diagnose Parkinson's. Have to sign off now because I have a dental appointment with my podiatrist."

One claimed, "Biden does NOT have Parkinson’s. No tremor, no stooped gait, rides bicycle, etc. I wear shoes like Biden’s because I’m active and walk several miles a day. Oh, and I’m old too."

"Roger Marshall, who is an obstetrician, needs to stick with his specialty areas of the human body and leave the neuro stuff to someone else," read a tweet.

"It's interesting that they don't even bother to consider the reality that he is a senior citizen that had a broken foot, which would certainly affect his choice of footwear," said a user.



 



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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