In a recent interview on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her readiness to undertake her constitutional responsibility to step into the presidency if President Biden were unable to lead, amid speculations concerning his health and age.
Currently at 80 and approaching his 81st birthday in November, Biden remains the oldest sitting U.S. president. If the Democrats secure a win in the 2024 elections, he would be inaugurated for his potential second term at 82 and conclude it at 86. Harris termed the notion of possibly assuming the presidency as “hypothetical”, yet affirmed her preparedness.
“Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition,” Harris mentioned to The Associated Press in Jakarta, Indonesia, during a regional summit. “But let us also understand that every vice president — every vice president — understands that when they take the oath they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president.”
She further stated, “I’m no different.”
The vice president addressed and set aside concerns about President Biden’s age, even in light of the common perception of his age being a potential impediment for office.
According to a recent AP/NORC survey, 77% of Americans and 69% of Democrats are of the opinion that Biden might be too advanced in age to serve another term.
Certain Republican presidential contenders, including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, suggest that supporting Biden might indirectly be an endorsement for Harris.
Speaking about her interactions with Biden, Harris stated, “I see him every day.” She continued, “A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can to make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people have played out.”
Throughout her tenure as vice president, Harris’ approval numbers have been consistently low. An NBC News poll reported that she garnered the least favorable rating for a vice president in the history of their polling.
A mere 32% of registered voters hold a favorable opinion of Harris, while 49% view her unfavorably, and 39% express a “very negative view.”
