Latest news with #KevinOConnor
Washington Post
7 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Investigate Biden's health in office, but investigate Trump's, too
The argument in the July 11 editorial, 'Why Congress should investigate Biden's health,' that Congress should investigate Joe Biden's health while he served as president, would have been far stronger if the board had also argued for looking into President Donald Trump's health. Investigating Biden's situation after the fact might help support arguments for greater transparency and awareness. But politicizing the move by focusing on one party dooms the effort at this point. Furthermore, demonstrating a clear, current focus on fitness for service strengthens the argument for investigating Biden's health now. And need I mention, investigating Trump's health would highlight any risks the nation faces now — not just hypothetically, were Biden to have won the 2024 election. Examining what health-related assessments are the norm in high-level executive positions in both private- and public-sector organizations would also offer insights into how Congress should handle these cases. Tom Martella, Washington The July 11 editorial on the congressional investigation into former president Joe Biden's health during his administration cited a number of concerns. Those included forgetting names of top aides, use of teleprompters and tiredness, which imply that Biden might have been unable to fully exercise the duties of the presidency. The editorial also pushed for Kevin O'Connor, Biden's onetime doctor, to be more forthcoming about his patient's health despite confidentiality laws that apply to health records. To expect an unbiased and nonpolitical investigation into this matter as the editorial would want is ludicrous, given the political environment of Congress. Though such an investigation could be useful, it could only provide meaningful information if conducted by an independent team of experts and if not politically motivated. Congress could authorize such a review. Congress's job is to investigate and react to what is going on in the country by proposing laws. What laws would be proposed after an investigation into Biden's health? Limit the age at which a candidate could run for president? Such an action would probably require a constitutional amendment and take years to enact. Though Biden might have exhibited some of the symptoms of age, whether they affected his ability to function as president is doubtful, as he achieved many positive things for the country during his term. With so much at stake in the country these days, Congress should spend its time on much more pressing issues. Jared Wermiel, Silver Spring Sadly, the 'unflinching investigation into Biden's fitness' that the July 11 editorial advocated would probably never happen in today's Congress. Extreme polarization has made it impossible. Democrats do not have faith in Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky), chairman of the Oversight Committee, to conduct a proper investigation. Nor should they, given that Comer's impeachment investigation of President Joe Biden was unbecoming of Congress. Even Comer's witness, conservative legal scholar Jonathan Turley, testified there was not enough evidence for impeachment. So, unlike the Editorial Board, I am not the least bit disappointed that former White House physician Kevin O'Connor is refusing to testify. But I do agree fully with the Editorial Board that Americans deserve an unflinching investigation into Biden's health. I am a Democrat of 45 years, and I am extremely disappointed in what has occurred with what seems to me to be a cover-up into the serious matter of a president's health. Democrats' claim that Donald Trump was a threat to democracy was undermined when they appeared to hide from American voters the condition of their 2024 presidential candidate. Attempting to conceal the true condition of their candidate would be a threat to democracy. Bruce Kirby, Rockville Does it really matter whether Congress investigates former president Joe Biden's health in office, as the July 11 editorial charged? He's retired. Leave him alone. Here's a better idea: Investigate the health of our current president. He's the only one who should really matter to Congress. During Donald Trump's first term, dozens of psychiatrists and mental health experts collaborated on a book alerting the American public to the potential danger he posed. Clues to Trump's mental state have been plainly observable for many years. So have at it, lawmakers. But, if they determine that Trump suffers from a health issue that makes him unfit for office, they must act for the nation's good and not for political advantage. Paul Mazich, Yorktown, Virginia The writer is a retired commander in the U.S. Navy. Regarding the July 19 editorial, 'The opioid settlement can help save lives': Naloxone, or Narcan, is a lifesaving tool, and expanding its accessibility should absolutely be a key target of opioid settlement fund spending. But it is not the only strategy worthy of investment. The settlement agreement allows for the funds to be used for opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders, recognizing the high rates of poly-substance use and that substance-specific strategies are often ineffective (particularly for prevention). These funds provide an unprecedented opportunity to address our nation's addiction crisis. Let's encourage states to spend them on the things that we know work not only to reduce opioid overdoses but also to end the recurring cycles of addiction and drug epidemics. Spending all settlement funds on increasing access to naloxone will not prevent the emergence of the next drug epidemic. This can only be done by investing the settlement funds in effective prevention strategies that promote resilience and emotional well-being among youths, targeting the root causes of substance use and an array of other negative health and social outcomes. Though naloxone is a powerful tool for preventing overdose, it will not prevent drug use, nor is it a treatment for addiction. It only reverses opioid overdoses; it does not reduce deaths from other major contributors to preventable deaths in the United States: alcohol and tobacco. Treatment, particularly Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for opioid use disorder, is also a critical tool for reducing overdoses. The suggestion that treatment only works for people willing to seek it out ignores the reality that treatment is widely unavailable and often unaffordable. Expanding access to effective treatment must also be a key focus of the settlement fund spending. States should absolutely use the settlement funds to prevent opioid overdoses and save lives. The danger is in suggesting that there is one solution to this multifaceted crisis. Lindsey Vuolo, New York Linda Richter, Scarsdale, New York Lindsey Vuolo is vice president of health law and policy at the Partnership to End Addiction. Linda Richter is senior vice president of prevention research and analysis. In 2013, we worked on the development of the White House drug strategy, which recommended broader access to naloxone and also recognized the need for an expanded system of care for people with substance use disorder. We are encouraged by The Post's July 19 editorial that called attention to the persistent issue of overdose deaths facing the United States. We also appreciated the Editorial Board's desire to see opioid settlement dollars spent on evidence-based interventions that will reduce overdose deaths. We heartily agree and have dedicated our careers to advancing these interventions. However, though we agree that naloxone and overdose prevention efforts are key elements of a state or local community's response to overdose deaths, naloxone cannot be the primary or sole response simply because this investment alone will not yield the greatest possible impact. Methadone and buprenorphine are the most evidence-based treatment medications for opioid use disorder, and they can have the biggest impact on mortality. That's because these medications provide long-term overdose prevention, decreasing mortality by nearly 50 percent; they support sustained recovery and improved outcomes for individuals, as well as stability for families and communities; and naloxone is estimated to have only a 3.6 percent mortality prevention effect. Treatment medications dramatically lessen illicit opioid use, thereby driving down the risk of overdose (and the demand for illicit opioids such as fentanyl). As the editorial states, long-term efforts are needed, but we must also look to the evidence to drive effective strategies that improve lives and prevent deaths. Regina LaBelle, Takoma Park Caleb Banta-Green, Seattle Regina LaBelle was acting director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in the Biden administration and also served at ONDCP in the Obama administration. Caleb Banta-Green was a senior science adviser at the White House ONDCP during the Obama administration. Post Opinions wants to know: What would you add to a time capsule to represent America today? Share your response, and it might be published as a letter to the editor.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lakers vs. Clippers: who won the summer? + Summer League superlatives & standouts
Subscribe to The Kevin O'Connor Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube KOC and Jack Simone both grew up in Boston, so naturally both were stunned to see the Marcus Smart/Lakers news! Don't miss their reasoning for why they think it was a great move by the Lakers. Both think this move could unlock PEAK Luka Doncic — is he primed for his 1st ever MVP season in the NBA? Then Kevin and Simone recap a wild Summer League: which rookie impressed them the most, which Year 2 player left the best mark in Vegas — and conversely which players disappointed? Then, KOC is joined by Es Baraheni at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas to break down the performances of the league's newest stars including Carter Bryant, Dylan Harper, Yang Hansen & more. Plus, what can we REALLY expect from the Toronto Raptors this season? (1:32) CP3 returns to Clippers (7:27) Lakers sign Marcus Smart (14:46) Summer League superlatives (38:39) Ben Simmons free agency update (44:41) Summer League recap with Es Baraheni (59:29) Expectations for Raptors this season 🖥️
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Do the Hornets have some serious buzz?
Yahoo Sports senior NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor is joined by Andrew Sharp and Ben Thompson to discuss why Charlotte could be turning the corner after finishing last season with its worst record since the 2011-2012 campaign. Hear the full conversation on 'The Kevin O'Connor Show' and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. View more Video Transcript Now, Ben, uh, the Wizards missed the playoffs last year. The sort of Hornets, Sixers, Nets, and Raptors, of those teams, are the Wizards the team you're most bullish on in the future? I, I'm gonna zag and say the Hornets. Oh boy. And just because I think they're still the laughingstock and pointed to as the worst one organization, you forget they did get sold. And so, uh, they, they have a former Bucks assistant as their head coach. Uh, I think he did seem to do a great job last year, and I think they're aware that they have a LaMelo problem and there's just a bit of sort of treading water and getting pieces until then. Taking a Con Canipple, is he gonna be a superstar in the league? No. Is he gonna be a very solid starter in the long run? Yeah, like Brandon Miller and Con Canipel as your two wings if you can get the right choice on. Uh, total accident. But the right sort of straw to sort of the drink. Uh, can I, and can I double down on that as a Wizards fan watching the Wizards try to play four-dimensional chess and trade for every bad contract in the league and then clear $100 million in cap space next summer, God only knows what they're gonna do with that. I look at the Hornets, they're just making solid move after solid move, hitting singles and doubles. The caveat with the Hornets' optimism is like the shot diet for LaMelo and Brandon Miller. Their shooting profiles alone is evidence that the NBA needs to do something about the three-point addiction in the league because Brandon Miller will go out there and take like 52s and 17 3s. LaMelo is even worse because the threes he's taking are horrible shots and they're contested. Driven though, after Milwaukee goes to Boston under Missoula, it's like very Missoula ball. And I don't want to watch that stuff, man. Um, so I guess I will hang my hat on that. I'm, I'm not gonna watch Trey Johnson take 17 3s next year. Close
Fox News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
House Republicans face mounting resistance as third ex-Biden WH aide pleads Fifth Amendment
A top former Biden administration aide invoked the Fifth Amendment during her closed-door deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Friday, Fox News Digital was told. Annie Tomasini becomes the third Democratic ex-official to stonewall investigators looking into whether signs of former President Joe Biden's alleged mental decline were covered up by his inner circle. The former White House deputy chief of staff was seen entering the committee room in under an hour, saying nothing to reporters either time. A source familiar with the discussions told Fox News Digital that she invoked the Fifth Amendment multiple times, which likely is what led to the hasty meeting. Tomasini is the third ex-Biden administration official to come before committee investigators under subpoena, and the fifth to appear overall. She was meant to appear Friday for a voluntary transcribed interview, but a committee aide previously told Fox News Digital that Tomasini's lawyers had asked House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., to issue a subpoena specifically. Both prior officials who appeared under subpoena – ex-White House physician Kevin O'Connor and Anthony Bernal, a longtime aide to ex-First Lady Jill – also invoked the Fifth Amendment. Comer is investigating allegations that Biden's former top White House aides covered up signs of his mental and physical decline while in office, and whether any executive actions were commissioned via autopen without the president's full knowledge. Biden allies have pushed back against those claims. In an interview with The New York Times on Thursday, Biden affirmed he "made every decision" on his own. But Republicans have repeatedly accused those who have pleaded the Fifth Amendment so far of intentionally hiding critical information about the former president, even as their attorneys argue it is not an admission of guilt.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Damian Lillard back with the Blazers - can Portland return to prominence?
Yahoo Sports senior NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor reacts to the point guard's decision to go back to the team that drafted him - and how the Trail Blazers now have a very intriguing roster once 'Dame Time' is back on the court. Subscribe to 'The Kevin O'Connor Show' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. View more Video Transcript Damian Lillard is going back to Portland on a three-year, $42 million deal with a no trade clause. First of all, it's cool, like, it's just cool. Dame is going to be able to recover from his torn Achilles in Portland, back home, the place he made his name. And then joined a team that is actually pretty solid, like the Blazers had a top 5 defensive rating in the second half of last season after the All-Star break. They had what looks like a really good draft and young Hansen, who's been just awesome in Summer League. We have a lot more Summer League talk next week as well, but you look at Portland. They trade Dame, they get Jrue Holiday, they get Kamara, they get picks, and then they trade Jrue Holiday to Boston, and they get Time Lord, Malcolm Brogdon, more assets. Those assets led to Danny Abdiya, and now they have Dame, Andrew, Danny, Williams, and Kamara. And many, many first-round picks on top of that. So it's kind of crazy how everything has come full circle here. Ever since Dame finds out the grass isn't always greener, the Blazers drafted Scoot, you know, he has not exactly panned out quite yet to replace Damian Lillard, but they have this team. That feels like it makes sense, and they're just missing that point guard. And so, maybe Scoot in year three, mentored by Dame, has a breakout year, maybe not. Maybe Damian Lillard comes back healthy, and now he's joining a team with Jrue Holiday and Kamara and Danny on the defensive end, and once Dame's back, maybe Jeremy Grant sticks around, maybe Murray or Rupair ascends, and then you look at the team and it makes sense. Like this is the type of team Damian Lillard would want to be built around with all these versatile defensive players, spot-up shooters, secondary ball handlers, and then Young and Klinger in the frontcourt together. That still remains the thing that I'm most fascinated to see what Portland does. Are we going to see one of those guys come out with a reliable jumper, Young probably being the more likely one, or are we going to see a situation where Portland is like turning back the clock to the 90s or the 2000s with twin towers, two interior bigs posting up on either elbow. I just look forward to seeing how the... Blazers built this out, and the fact that Dean's going back, you know, maybe it had to happen this way for Dame, to find out the grass isn't always greener. Close
