Vice president Harris is in ‘excellent health,’ according to detailed letter from her physician
- Vice President Kamala Harris has released a detailed medical report affirming her excellent health, highlighting her physical and mental fortitude, as part of her strategy to promote transparency and contrast with her 78-year-old Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
- The medical report by Dr. Joshua R. Simmons outlines Harris's healthy lifestyle, preventive care compliance, and unremarkable medical history, in stark comparison to the limited and vague health disclosure from Trump's campaign.
- The release of Harris’s medical records aims to emphasize transparency in presidential health disclosures, particularly in light of past scrutiny on candidates' age and health, setting a precedent for future campaigns.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest news, updates, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Introduction
In a significant move to address growing concerns about her health, Vice President Kamala Harris has released a detailed medical report, asserting that she is in "excellent health." This release is a strategic maneuver by her campaign to contrast her physical and mental resilience with that of her 78-year-old Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. The report, signed by her primary care physician, US Army Colonel and Dr. Joshua R. Simmons, highlights Harris's active lifestyle and her ability to serve as president, sparking renewed discussions about the candidates' fitness for the highest office in the land.
The Report's Key Findings
The two-page letter from Dr. Simmons provides a comprehensive overview of Harris's medical history and current health status. Here are the key findings:
- Physical Resilience: Harris's latest physical examination in April 2024 was unremarkable. Her doctor notes that she maintains a healthy, active lifestyle, which contributes significantly to her overall well-being.
- Mental Fortitude: The report emphasizes that Harris possesses the physical and mental resiliency required to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency, including those of Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief.
- Medical History: Harris has a history of allergies and urticaria (hives), for which she has been on allergen immunotherapy for the past three years. Her latest blood work and other test results were also unremarkable.
- Preventive Care: The report mentions that Harris is up to date on preventive care recommendations, including having a colonoscopy and annual mammograms. She also wears contact lenses for mild nearsightedness.
- Family History: Harris's family history includes a maternal case of colon cancer, which is noted in the report.
The Campaign's Strategy
This move by Harris's campaign is part of a broader strategy to address concerns about age and health that were significant during President Joe Biden's reelection campaign. Biden, who is 81 years old, withdrew from the race in July after Democratic infighting and skepticism he could serve a full second term. This withdrawal allowed the Democratic Party to adopt a more aggressive stance on biographical comparisons, focusing on the health and age of their candidates.
Comparing to Trump's Health Records
In contrast, former President Trump has released only limited information about his health. In November 2023, he posted a letter from his doctor, Bruce Aronwald, stating that his overall health was "excellent" without providing specific details such as weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels. This lack of transparency has raised questions about Trump's fitness to serve as president at the age of 78.
History of Health Comparisons
The practice of releasing and comparing health records is not new in American politics. During Trump's presidency, he frequently questioned President Biden's health, particularly when Biden was seeking reelection. Since Biden was replaced on the ticket with Harris, Trump's own health has drawn more attention. In a move to deflect scrutiny, Trump released a letter from his physician in November 2023, claiming that he was in "excellent" physical and mental health. However, this letter lacked any concrete evidence or detailed medical information.
Reactions and Implications
The release of Harris's medical report has sparked a new round of discussions about the importance of transparency in presidential candidates' health. While Trump's campaign has not directly responded to the report, it is clear that the contrast between Harris's detailed medical history and Trump's limited disclosure will continue to be a focal point in the campaign.
"This initiative by Vice President Harris's campaign is a smart move to address the elephant in the room," said a senior campaign aide. "By releasing detailed information about her health, she is showing the American people that she is committed to transparency and preparedness for the demands of the presidency."
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris's release of her medical report is a strategic step towards building public trust and confidence in her ability to serve as president. As the campaign continues, it is likely that we will see more emphasis on health and age-related issues, with both candidates' records coming under scrutiny.
