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Vice President Kamala Harris has put pressure on her Republican rival, Donald Trump, by releasing her medical records and calling on him to do the same. Harris’s campaign is pushing for more transparency as the race for the presidency intensifies, especially surrounding the candidates’ health and fitness to serve.
Harris’s medical report, conducted by her physician, Dr. Joshua Simmons, concludes she is in “excellent health” and fit for the presidency. The report, made public shortly after its release, detailed her healthy lifestyle, regular preventive care, and noted a family history of colon cancer. Dr. Simmons, who has treated Harris for over three years, described her April physical examination as “unremarkable,” with no significant concerns beyond common allergies.
Following the release, Harris directly challenged Trump, accusing him of avoiding scrutiny regarding his health. “He doesn’t want the American people to see whether or not he’s fit to become president,” Harris said during a campaign stop in North Carolina. The Harris campaign also posted on social media, urging Trump to follow her lead with the message: “Your turn, Donald Trump.”
Trump’s response and health claims
Trump’s campaign swiftly responded, with his team stating that the former president is in “perfect and excellent health.” Citing multiple reports from Trump’s personal physician and the doctor who treated him following an assassination attempt earlier this year, his campaign emphasized that all medical evaluations had shown Trump’s fitness for office. The campaign also highlighted Trump’s “extremely busy and active campaign schedule” as evidence of his stamina, claiming Harris lacks the same energy.
Trump’s team also pointed to a November 2023 medical letter, which indicated his physical and cognitive exams were “exceptional.” However, Trump has not released any detailed medical records in response to Harris’s call.
Age and health at the forefront
Age and health have become key issues in the 2024 race. At 78, Trump would be the oldest president to serve if re-elected, a record he would share with outgoing President Joe Biden, who will be 82 when he leaves office. This focus on age has shifted since Republicans previously targeted Biden for his age and mental fitness, while Democrats now raise similar concerns about Trump.
With national polls showing Harris slightly ahead, the race remains tight in battleground states. As the candidates continue to trade barbs over health and fitness, transparency around these issues could play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions.
