In an effort to bolster her campaign as the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris recently shared a letter from her physician affirming her “excellent health” and suitability for high office. The letter, released by Dr. Joshua Simmons, outlines the findings from Harris’s April medical examination, which he described as “unremarkable.”
This move aims to highlight her vitality and fitness compared to her opponent, Donald Trump, who is significantly older. Harris, 59, is seeking to leverage this information to differentiate herself from the 78-year-old former president.
Dr. Simmons’s memo emphasized Harris’s active lifestyle and very healthy diet, along with manageable seasonal allergies and sporadic hives. He noted that her overall health and resilience are adequate for the demands of the presidency, covering her roles as chief executive, head of state, and commander-in-chief.
The physician reassured that Harris’s allergies are well-controlled through a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, which contributes positively to her overall health profile.
Donald Trump
The timing of this health disclosure comes as Harris engages in a closely contested race against Trump in the upcoming November election. The campaign hopes that by contrasting Harris’s relative youth and cognitive sharpness against Trump’s age and occasional verbal slip-ups, they can sway undecided voters in her favor.
This strategy seeks to highlight the differences in transparency regarding health information between the two candidates, as well.
Harris’s health records also detail her ongoing management of urticaria, or hives, which are described as sporadic and not triggered by specific exposures.
According to Simmons, her symptoms have improved significantly over three years of allergen immunotherapy, allowing her to rely primarily on occasional nasal sprays rather than daily medications. This focused management of her health issues further reinforces her overall fitness for the demands of the presidency.
In contrast, Trump’s health has come under scrutiny, particularly after he questioned President Joe Biden’s health during the latter’s re-election campaign. Since Harris has taken Biden’s place on the Democratic ticket, attention has shifted back to Trump’s health, especially considering his limited public disclosures regarding his medical status.
Following an assassination attempt earlier this year, Trump’s lack of detailed health information has raised concerns, especially compared to the comprehensive letter released by Harris. While Trump has previously claimed he is in “excellent” health, his statements often lack supporting details, unlike Harris’s recent disclosures.
