On a recent Saturday, Vice President Kamala Harris publicly released a summary of her medical records, as reviewed by her White House physician, Dr. Joshua Simmons. He characterized her as a “healthy 59-year-old female” with a medical history primarily marked by seasonal allergies and urticaria, commonly known as hives. Dr. Simmons noted that Harris has been managing her seasonal allergies with over-the-counter medications and has undergone allergen immunotherapy for three years to treat her hives. Importantly, he emphasized that she has never faced severe reactions such as angioedema or anaphylaxis, which reassures her overall health status.
Dr. Simmons’ report extended beyond Harris’ allergies and skin conditions to encompass her broader lifestyle and health practices. He praised her healthy diet and regular physical activities, highlighting her commitment to daily aerobics and core strength training, alongside her moderate alcohol consumption. Notably, she does not use tobacco products, suggesting a lifestyle conducive to maintaining good health. He concluded that she possesses the mental and physical stamina necessary to perform the varied duties of the Presidency, including her roles as Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander in Chief.
The timing of the release of Harris’ medical records is significant, as it comes amid a typical political landscape where presidential candidates share their medical histories to assure voters of their fitness for office. Harris’ report is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time her medical information has been made available publicly. This contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump’s promises to release his records; although he stated in August he would share them with CBS, this has not yet taken place. Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized Harris while arguing that Trump had previously provided updates about his health after examinations, suggesting he remains in “perfect health.”
Cheung’s assertions were backed by a brief medical letter from Trump’s physician, Dr. Bruce Aronwold, that was made public in November 2023, in which he confirmed Trump’s overall health was “excellent.” However, this letter was lacking in specific details commonly found in comprehensive medical reports, sparking questions about the transparency of Trump’s health information as he campaigns for the presidency again. In contrast, Harris’ detailed release aims to promote transparency and could serve to bolster her credibility as a candidate.
Concerns about age and health in the context of the 2024 Presidential race are prevalent, especially regarding President Joe Biden, who is 81 years old. Biden’s age was a notable concern among voters, and it influenced his re-election campaign strategy. In a noteworthy shift, the Harris campaign appears to be redirecting scrutiny from Biden to Trump, igniting a narrative that could resonate with voters who share apprehensions about the health and capability of an older candidate. Harris recently aired an advertisement questioning the implications of Trump’s potential incapacitation in office, employing a visual technique that underscores her concerns regarding his fitness for the presidency.
In essence, the dynamics of health disclosures in political campaigns illustrate not only a candidate’s transparency but also serve as a battleground for political narratives. By releasing her medical records, Harris provides evidence of her fitness for office while simultaneously challenging Trump’s health claims and addressing the potential risks associated with electing an older candidate. This maneuver may well shape the contours of campaign discourse as both parties vie for voter confidence heading into the 2024 election. Harris’ strategy showcases her proactive approach to countering Republican narratives, positioning her not just as a viable candidate but as a robust competitor in the highly charged race for the presidency.
