TOM LLAMAS: Now to the fireworks on Capitol Hill with former President Biden's doctor subpoenaed by Republicans, declining to answer questions about Biden's health while he was in office, citing his Fifth Amendment rights. Here’s Kelly O'Donnell.
KELLY O’DONNELL: Today, the type of housecall that a former White House physician did not want to make. Dr. Kevin O'Connor, who treated former President Biden for at least 16 years, asserted his Fifth Amendment today and declined to give testimony after he was subpoenaed by House Republicans investigating Mr. Biden's medical and mental fitness while in office.
JAKE GREENBERG: Dr. O’Connor, were you ever told to lie about the president's health?
KEVIN O’CONNOR: On the advice of counsel I must respectfully decline to answer based upon physician-patient privilege and in reliance on my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.
JAMES COMER: This is unprecedented. And I think that this adds more fuel to the fire that there was a cover up.
O’DONNELL: But a lawyer for O’Connor insists the doctor could not testify without risking his medical license, writing: “Dr. O’Connor will not violate his oath of confidentiality for any of his patients, including President Biden.” The 82-year-old former president is now being treated for an aggressive prostate cancer.
JOE BIDEN: I feel good!
O’DONNELL: Recent books allege episodes of mental decline while he was president, like not recalling the names of long time aides. The former president has disputed that. Democrat Jasmine Crockett defended Biden’s mental fitness.
JASMINE CROCKETT: I did have an opportunity to interact with the president. I never had a concern.
O’DONNELL: Dr. O'Connor is among several close Biden aides being called to testify as Republicans question whether Biden was in command during his presidency. Tom.
LLAMAS: All right, Kelly O’Donnell. Kelly, thank you.
