In sports, the integrity of competition is fiercely protected. At least so they say. Athletes are subjected to drug tests to ensure they are not using performance-enhancing substances that could give them an unfair advantage. This scrutiny is aimed at maintaining a level playing field, though the treatment of men masquerading as women undermines the case of late.

Victories, at least according to the theory, should be earned through skill, preparation, and ability rather than artificial enhancement. If such stringent measures are necessary in sports, similar rules should apply to political leaders, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like presidential debates.

As America approaches its next presidential election, cognitive fitness, and transparency among candidates become increasingly pertinent. President Joe Biden, due to his age and self-evident cognitive decline, has been a focal point of this discussion. To ensure a fair and honest debate, it is imperative that Biden undergoes drug testing before any debate with former President Donald Trump.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT.

If candidates are expected to present their true selves to the public – their ability to articulate policies, respond to questions, and engage with their opponents – then any form of artificial enhancement that could temporarily boost cognitive performance undermines authenticity.

The cognitive demands on a presidential candidate are immense, and Biden’s repeated refusal to release cognitive records to the public adds further to the scrutiny he must naturally face when demanding re-election.

Drug testing before a debate would assure the public that his performance is genuine and not artificially enhanced. After all, Joe once claimed to want to run the most transparent administration ever. This has scarcely come to pass.

OBSCURING TRANSPARENCY.

The Department of Justice’s handling of Biden’s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur adds to clarity concerns. The outright obfuscation over this interview—especially Attorney General Merrick Garland’s willingness to face Congressional contempt charges to keep the audio tapes hidden—fuels the suspicion that America currently has a vegetable in the Oval Office.

The public deserves to know that their leaders are operating without artificial enhancements, particularly when transparency is already in question.

Joe Biden’s fitness to lead must be scrutinized accurately. A drug test before debating Trump ensures fairness and honesty, upholding the integrity of America’s electoral process.