The “Biden falls” story doesn’t tell us much. Tripping over a sandbag and then righting oneself, though, offers no insight into Biden’s physical or cognitive health. Being president is taxing on all levels, and Americans are justified in wanting to elect a leader who is cognitively sharp and possesses the physical stamina to endure a punishing travel schedule and long days that often involve too little sleep. With the leading 2024 contenders both well into their golden years, it’s reasonable to ask if they’re cognitively and physically up to the task. That fueled broad speculation about the then president’s health. Donald Trump, who before Biden was the oldest first-term president in US history, was wobbly on his feet at the graduation ceremony for the US Military Academy at West Point in 2020, and seemed to struggle to raise a glass to his lips.

This isn’t the first time a president or White House-seeker’s stumble or unsteadiness has proven to be ripe fodder for both the opposition and the media.

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