By Burnett Munthali
In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming presidential election, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has released a letter from her physician declaring her in “excellent health” and fit for high office. This decision aims to highlight her vitality compared to her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who is under scrutiny for his own health disclosures.
Dr. Joshua Simmons, Harris’s physician, detailed her health in a memo dated Saturday, following an “unremarkable” exam conducted in April. The report commended Harris’s active lifestyle and “very healthy diet,” while also noting her seasonal allergies and sporadic hives, which have been effectively managed with medication. Notably, Simmons stated that Harris’s allergies do not significantly impede her daily activities, thanks to an effective allergen immunotherapy regimen she’s been on for the past three years.
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“In summary, Vice President Harris remains in excellent health. She possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,” Simmons affirmed, emphasizing her fitness for the roles of chief executive, head of state, and commander in chief.
At 59 years old, Harris is running against 78-year-old Trump, who has faced scrutiny regarding his own health status. Historically, Trump has been vocal about questioning the health of others, including President Joe Biden, who is 81. The narrative around health has shifted to Trump as Harris’s campaign strategically contrasts her relative youth and mental acuity against Trump’s more advanced age and sometimes erratic communication style.
Donald Trump has announced his third straight presidential bid
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As Harris’s campaign faces a tightly contested race against Trump, her team is keen to leverage this health disclosure to appeal to undecided voters. The juxtaposition of Harris’s transparency regarding her health with Trump’s minimal health disclosures is a key component of this strategy. While Trump has released scant health information, including vague claims about being in “excellent” health, details such as his weight and cholesterol levels remain undisclosed, raising concerns among voters.
Additionally, Harris’s campaign aims to connect with various demographic groups. Recently, she has engaged in a media blitz, addressing issues relevant to Latino voters during a town hall in Las Vegas, and has received endorsements from high-profile figures, including former President Barack Obama, who is actively campaigning for her in swing states.
As the race heats up, Harris’s efforts to present herself as a viable and healthy alternative to Trump underscore a broader strategy to sway public opinion and solidify her position as a strong candidate for the presidency. With the election drawing near, the focus on health could prove pivotal in influencing voter perceptions and decisions at the ballot box.
