With medical report Harris seeks to play health card against Trump | National | dailygazette.com

Title: With Medical Report, Harris Seeks to Play Health Card Against Trump

Subtitle: Democrat Kamala Harris Releases Detailed Health Report, Highlighting Contrast with Republican Opponent

Introduction

In a move aimed at drawing a stark contrast with her Republican opponent, Democratic White House candidate Kamala Harris has released a comprehensive medical report detailing her excellent health and fitness for the presidency. This strategic move is part of Harris's broader campaign strategy to address concerns about her opponent's health, particularly given Donald Trump's limited disclosure of his medical information.

The Medical Report

Vice President Kamala Harris's medical report was compiled by her physician, Dr. Joshua Simmons, and released on Saturday. The two-page report provides a detailed overview of her medical history and recent health assessment. According to the report, Harris maintains a healthy, active lifestyle despite her busy schedule. She adheres to a nutritious diet and engages in daily aerobic exercises and core strength workouts. Additionally, Harris consumes alcohol only occasionally and in moderation and does not use tobacco products.

The report also highlights that Harris manages her seasonal allergies with over-the-counter medications and has undergone allergen immunotherapy for the past three years, which has significantly alleviated her allergy and hives symptoms. Her allergies are well-controlled with both over-the-counter and prescription treatments, and her hives are described as sporadic and transient, responding effectively to antihistamines.

Dr. Simmons concluded the report by stating, "Vice President Harris continues to be in outstanding health. She possesses the physical and mental stamina necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the presidency, including those of chief executive, head of state, and commander in chief".

Health Concerns and Transparency

The release of Harris's medical report is part of a broader effort to highlight the transparency gap between her and her opponent. While Harris has provided detailed and comprehensive information about her health, Trump has been criticized for his minimal disclosure.

Trump's last publicly available medical report was a brief letter posted on his Truth Social account in November 2023, which reported that he was in "excellent health." This letter did not provide specific details such as blood test findings, blood pressure, weight, or any existing medical conditions or medications.

In contrast, Harris's report includes specific figures from her most recent physical exam in April 2024. The detailed nature of her report aims to reassure voters about her fitness for office and contrast with Trump's more limited disclosures.

A Focus on Physical and Mental Resilience

The emphasis on physical and mental resilience is a crucial aspect of Harris's campaign strategy. At 59 years old, Harris is significantly younger than Trump, who is 78. This age difference is often highlighted as a key factor in the campaign, with Harris's team pointing out that she possesses both the physical and mental stamina required to handle the demands of the presidency.

Drawing a Contrast

Harris's campaign is optimistic that showcasing her relative youth and cognitive sharpness in contrast to Trump's advanced age and tendency to wander off-topic will persuade undecided voters of her greater fitness for office. The campaign aims to use this contrast to raise questions about Trump's ability to serve effectively if elected.

Trump's Response

Trump's campaign has responded swiftly to the pressure, calling Harris "wholly unqualified" to be president. Trump Campaign Communications Director Steven Cheung stated, "President Trump has voluntarily released updates from his personal physician, as well as detailed reports from Dr. Ronny Jackson who treated him after the first assassination attempt. All have concluded he is in perfect and excellent health to be Commander in Chief." Cheung also claimed that the former president "has maintained an extremely busy and active campaign schedule unlike any other in political history," while Harris has been unable to keep up with the demands of campaigning.

Historical Context

This move by Harris is not unprecedented. In the past, presidential candidates have often disclosed their medical records as part of their campaign strategies. However, Trump's reluctance to share detailed health information has become a focal point of scrutiny.

For instance, after Trump's ear was grazed by a bullet during an assassination attempt in July, he provided minimal information about his health. Similarly, when President Joe Biden was seeking re-election, Trump eagerly questioned Biden's health, using nicknames like "Sleepy Joe" to highlight Biden's age (81 at the time). Now, with Harris on the ticket and at 59 years old, Trump's health has drawn more attention.

Conclusion

The release of Kamala Harris's detailed medical report underscores the importance of transparency in political campaigns. By providing a comprehensive overview of her health, Harris is not only addressing concerns about her fitness for office but also highlighting the contrast with her opponent's limited disclosures. As the November election approaches, this issue is likely to remain a central theme, with both candidates vying to win over undecided voters.

References

• Washington Post: Kamala Harris releases medical records, drawing contrast with Trump.
• Al Jazeera: Kamala Harris releases medical report, drawing contrast with Trump.
• NBC News: Harris releases medical report saying she's fit for office - NBC News.
• ABC News: Doctor deems Harris in 'excellent health.' Her team aims to contrast with Trump.
• People Magazine: Kamala Harris' Doctor Says Her Health Is 'Excellent' and Trump Campaign Responds.