Vice President Harris Criticizes Trump Over Health Record Transparency
Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a fresh attack on former President Donald Trump's fitness for office, while simultaneously releasing her own medical report.
According to Shore News Network, Harris questioned Trump's ability to serve as president, citing concerns about his health and age.
In response to Harris' criticism, Trump fired back, stating, "I think she's dumber than hell." Harris stated that Trump "does not have the ability to do the job" of president. She emphasized her decision to release her medical records, contrasting it with Trump's reluctance to do so.
The vice president's physician, Dr. Joshua Simmons, declared her to be in "excellent health" and capable of executing presidential duties.
Comprehensive Medical Report Release
Harris's medical report, released on Saturday, provides a detailed overview of her health status. Dr. Joshua Simmons, her physician, noted that the vice president's most recent physical exam in April 2024 yielded "unremarkable" results. He also mentioned her history of seasonal allergies and hives, which have been managed with over-the-counter medications.
The report states that Harris "remains in excellent health" and "possesses the physical and mental resilience required to successfully execute the duties of the presidency, to include those as Chief Executive, Head of State and Commander in Chief." Dr. Simmons also noted that Harris's routine bloodwork was "unremarkable," though her Vitamin D levels were "in the insufficient range."
Additionally, the report disclosed that Harris has a family history of colon cancer, but no personal history of significant medical conditions was mentioned.
Transparency and Campaign Strategies
Harris has framed the release of her medical records as a matter of transparency, criticizing Trump for his lack of openness. She pointed out that releasing such information is a norm for presidential candidates, one that Trump has not followed in this election cycle.
Harris said:
So, today I release my medical records as has, I believe every candidate for president of the United States, except Donald Trump in this election cycle. And it's just a further example of his lack of transparency that on top of his unwillingness to debate again, his unwillingness to do an interview with '60 Minutes,' which again, is part of the norm of what anyone running for president of the United States does.
The vice president's campaign team appears to be using this strategy to shift focus onto Trump's health and age. At 78, Trump would be the oldest person elected president if he wins the upcoming election. Harris, who is significantly younger than Trump, seems to be leveraging this age difference in her campaign approach.
Trump's Health Information and Campaign Response
Trump's campaign has responded to inquiries about his medical records by referencing previous letters from his physicians. These include statements from former White House physician Rep. Ronny Jackson and Trump's personal doctor, Dr. Bruce Aronwald, both of whom have attested to Trump's excellent health.
Trump campaign Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the former president's health, stating, "President Trump has voluntarily released updates from his personal physician, as well as detailed reports from Dr. Ronny Jackson who treated him after the first assassination attempt. All have concluded he is in perfect and excellent health to be Commander in Chief."
Cheung also criticized Harris's campaign performance, suggesting she is "unable to keep up with the demands of campaigning" and is "wholly unqualified to be President of the United States."
Age and Political Discourse in the Presidential Race
The focus on health and age in this presidential race marks a significant shift from previous campaigns. Prior to his withdrawal from the race, President Joe Biden, at 81, faced criticism for his age. Now, Harris and her allies are turning the tables, using Trump's age as a point of attack.
This strategy is evident in recent campaign activities. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris's running mate, described Trump's debate performance as that of "a nearly 80-year-old man shaking his fist at clouds." Former President Bill Clinton also joked about age during his Democratic National Convention speech, saying, "Two days ago I turned 78… and the only personal vanity I want to assert is I'm still younger than Donald Trump."
Campaign Ads and Public Perception
The Harris campaign has been actively highlighting concerns about Trump's age and fitness for office through various means. Hours before the vice-presidential debate, they rolled out a new ad targeting Trump through his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. The ad concludes with clips of the former president appearing to slur his words, emphasizing the potential risks associated with his age.
This approach represents a stark reversal from previous political dynamics. Before Biden dropped out of the race, Trump and Republicans used the president's advanced age as a frequent point of attack, with Trump often referring to Biden as "sleepy Joe," "sick," and "weak."
The release of Harris's medical records and her comments about Trump's fitness for office have added a new dimension to the presidential race. This development has shifted the focus of the campaign towards issues of health, age, and transparency. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how these factors will influence voter perceptions and campaign strategies for both candidates.