Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd during a campaign event at Rawhide Event Space, in Chandler, Arizona, U.S., October 10, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Vice President Kamala Harris Releases Medical Report Highlighting Good Health Amid Tight Election Race
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris released a letter from her physician on Saturday, affirming her physical and mental fitness for high office. The disclosure, part of an effort to contrast her health with that of her opponent, former President Donald Trump, was accompanied by a memo from the White House.
Medical Summary by Physician
In the memo, Harris’s doctor, Joshua Simmons, reported that the vice president’s most recent physical examination, conducted in April, was “unremarkable.” The letter emphasized her “active lifestyle” and “very healthy diet” despite a demanding schedule. Harris, 59, is described as free of significant health concerns, aside from seasonal allergies and occasional hives, both of which are effectively managed with over-the-counter medications.
Dr. Simmons confirmed that Harris does not use tobacco and consumes alcohol only in moderation. He concluded that she possesses “the physical and mental resiliency required” for the responsibilities of the presidency, including the roles of Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief.
Effort to Highlight Contrast with Trump
Harris’s release of her medical information is seen as a strategic move to highlight transparency, in contrast with Trump, 78, who has not released updated health records during the current campaign. Harris’s campaign is seeking to underscore her comparative youth and fitness, as well as her openness about health, to gain an advantage in the tightly contested race.
Trump, who is 19 years older than Harris, became the oldest candidate in the race after President Joe Biden, 81, stepped aside earlier this year following a poor debate performance against Trump. Harris’s campaign believes that focusing on her energy, mental sharpness, and transparency will help sway undecided voters, particularly in comparison to Trump’s age and occasional meandering public statements.
Trump’s Health and Harris’s Transparency
While Trump’s physical condition was previously assessed in 2018 during his presidency as being “in overall excellent health,” his physician at the time advised that he lose weight and adopt a daily exercise routine. Trump has since remained largely private about his health, raising questions about his current fitness for office.
In contrast, Dr. Simmons’s report on Harris offers detailed information. Her allergies, managed through immunotherapy, have dramatically improved, reducing her need for medication except for occasional nasal spray. The memo also noted that her sporadic and transient hives respond well to antihistamine treatment. Additionally, Harris wears contact lenses and is up to date on preventative health screenings, including colonoscopies and annual mammograms.
Harris’s release of her medical records highlights her proactive approach to transparency, aiming to set herself apart in a race where health and fitness may become deciding factors for voters as the November election draws closer.
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