Vice President Kamala Harris, who turns 60 this Sunday, has begun highlighting the age difference between herself and Donald Trump, who is 18 years her senior.
In the final stretch of the 2024 presidential race, Harris’ campaign has increasingly focused on questioning Trump’s mental and physical fitness for office.
During a recent campaign stop in Detroit, Harris commented on Trump’s stability, saying, “He’s becoming increasingly unstable and unhinged, and it requires that response. I think the American people deserve better than someone who actually seems to be unstable.”
This marks a strategic shift for Democrats, who have previously faced similar attacks about President Joe Biden’s age and health from Republicans, including Trump.
In recent interviews, Harris has emphasized the generational gap between herself and Trump. She noted that she represents “a new generation of leadership,” contrasting her approach to both Biden and Trump.
Her campaign has also seized on a report suggesting that Trump was too “exhausted” to appear on a podcast, though Trump’s team denied this claim. Harris’ senior adviser, David Plouffe, questioned whether Trump’s alleged exhaustion on the campaign trail raises concerns about his ability to handle the demands of the presidency.
In addition to public comments, Harris’ campaign recently launched a television ad depicting Trump as “more unhinged, unstable, and unchecked” in the possibility of a second term.
During a stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Harris said it’s a “legitimate question” to ask whether Trump is fit for the presidency, pointing to his refusal to participate in certain media appearances and debates.
She questioned whether Trump, who she claims is reportedly suffering from exhaustion, would be able to handle the rigorous responsibilities of the presidency.
This focus on Trump’s fitness follows a recent release of Harris’ own medical records, which her campaign used to contrast with Trump’s less transparent health disclosures. Harris has been critical of Trump for not sharing as much detail about his health, further emphasizing the issue of fitness for office.
Harris is not alone in this strategy. Her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, recently suggested that Trump’s behavior on the campaign trail, including abruptly ending events and playing music for his supporters, indicates mental unfitness.
Walz added, “If this was your grandfather, you would take the keys from him,” further questioning Trump’s mental state.
Former President Barack Obama has also joined Harris in raising concerns about Trump’s behavior. While campaigning for Harris in Arizona, Obama mocked Trump’s recent speeches, pointing out the former president’s frequent and bizarre references to the fictional character Hannibal Lecter.
Obama also criticized Trump for describing the January 6th Capitol riot as “a day of love” and for calling himself the “father of IVF.” Obama humorously remarked, “I do not know what that means. You do not either.”
Obama wrapped up his remarks by warning the public about giving “unchecked power” to someone displaying erratic behavior, comparing Trump’s actions to those of an unstable family member. He added, “You would be worried if your grandpa was acting like this.”
In the final weeks of the campaign, Harris and her allies are continuing to challenge Trump’s mental and physical readiness to serve another term, positioning themselves as representatives of a new generation of leadership.
