Harris Releases Medical Records
Kamala Harris has publicly released her medical records, declaring herself to be in “excellent health” and fit for the presidency. In response, the Democratic nominee criticized Donald Trump for not disclosing his own health records. She suggested that he lacks transparency and does not want the American people to assess his fitness for the presidency.
Trump’s Team Responds
While Trump’s team has not released his medical records, they referenced his doctor, who stated that Trump is in “perfect and excellent health.” Moreover, the Trump campaign argued that their candidate has an “extremely busy and active campaign schedule” and claimed that Harris “does not have the stamina of President Trump.”
Medical Report Highlights
This exchange follows a White House medical report stating that Harris “possesses the physical and mental resiliency” required for the presidency. Dr. Joshua Simmons, Harris’s physician for over three years, reported that her recent physical exam in April was “unremarkable.” He highlighted her commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including regular preventative care like colonoscopies and annual mammograms. Additionally, he noted her family history of colon cancer and her allergies.
Harris Challenges Trump
After releasing her medical records, a spokesperson for Harris’s campaign posted on social media, “Your turn, Donald Trump.” At a campaign event in North Carolina, Harris further questioned Trump’s mental acuity, pointing out that he often “goes off on tangents.” This critique comes as Democrats have been vocal about Trump’s age and mental fitness, particularly since he is 78—following months of similar criticisms directed at President Joe Biden before he withdrew from the race.
Age Factor in the Election
If Trump were to win re-election in November, he would finish his second term at 82, sharing the record of the oldest serving president with Biden, who will also be 82 when he leaves office in January.
Trump’s Defense
In response to Harris’s assertions, Trump’s campaign communications director, Steven Cheung, stated that Trump had “voluntarily released” updates from his personal physician and from the doctor who treated him following an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania this summer. Cheung added that all assessments concluded Trump is in “perfect and excellent health” to serve as Commander in Chief. He also cited a November 2023 medical letter indicating that Trump’s physical and cognitive exams were well within normal ranges.
Polling Insights
National polls suggest that Harris holds a slight lead over Trump; however, the numbers in key battleground states remain very close.
