Vice President Kamala Harris has asserted her readiness to “take on the role of President” should Joe Biden’s term in office face any impediments. In response to inquiries regarding President Biden’s age, Kamala Harris, during an overseas mission, emphasized that every vice president must be equipped for this responsibility.
Harris initially attempted to redirect the question concerning 80-year-old Biden’s age by highlighting his legislative achievements.
“Queries regarding the president’s age often come paired with inquiries about your preparedness to assume the role if needed. Do you feel equipped for that eventuality? Has your service as vice president readied you for that position?” asked Associated Press reporter Chris Megerian.
“Yes,” affirmed the 58-year-old vice president in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she represents President Biden at the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.
“And how would you describe that process?” inquired the reporter.
“Well, firstly, let’s — I’m responding to your hypothetical, but Joe Biden will be just fine. So, that eventuality will not come to pass,” replied Harris.
“But let us also recognize that every vice president — every vice president — comprehends that when they take the oath, they must be unequivocal about the responsibility they may assume as President. I am no exception,” Kamala Harris stated.
Joe Biden already holds the distinction of being the oldest-ever president. He will celebrate his 81st birthday in November and is seeking reelection for a second term in next year’s election.
Reportedly, he has expressed dissatisfaction with Harris, despite praising her in public.
According to the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls, Harris has even lower favorability ratings than Biden, with only 40.7 percent of the public approving of her work, compared to 41.7 percent who approve of President Biden.
In 2020, Biden selected Harris, the first female and second non-white Vice President, as his running mate, despite a contentious primary during which she criticized him for opposing federally mandated desegregation through busing students to different school districts.
“That little girl was me!” Harris declared to Biden during a 2019 debate.
