At a lively rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris took aim at former President Donald Trump’s campaign, suggesting that his recent cancellations of interviews raise concerns about his readiness for the presidency.
Harris pointed out that with just 18 days left until the election, Trump has been backing out of multiple media appearances, fueling speculation about his stamina on the campaign trail.
“If you are exhausted on the campaign trail, it raises real questions about whether you are fit for the toughest job in the world,” Harris told the energized crowd.
Her comment came after Trump canceled interviews with major outlets like 60 Minutes, CNBC, and NBC News in recent weeks. Additionally, the National Rifle Association canceled an event with Trump, citing “campaign scheduling changes.”
Harris specifically referenced a recent Politico report, which stated that Trump had also backed out of an interview with The Shade Room.
According to the report, one of Trump’s advisers told the outlet’s producers that Trump was “exhausted” and had been refusing some interviews. Rapper Waka Flocka Flame, a vocal Trump supporter, was offered as a replacement for the interview, further amplifying the story.
“He is ducking debates and canceling interviews,” Harris continued, as the crowd reacted with cheers. “And check this out; his own campaign team recently said it’s because of exhaustion.”
Harris used this opportunity to suggest that if Trump is struggling to maintain energy during the campaign, it might indicate that he lacks the stamina to handle the pressures of the presidency.
“Well, if you are exhausted on the campaign trail, it raises real questions about whether you are fit for the toughest job in the world,” she said to a raucous crowd. “Come on. Come on.”
Trump, known for firing back at his critics, was quick to respond. When asked about Harris’s comments, he denied any claims of exhaustion and launched a counterattack, calling the vice president “a loser” and falsely claiming that she doesn’t attend events.
“What event did I cancel? I haven’t canceled,” Trump told reporters on Friday. “She doesn’t go to any events, she’s a loser, she doesn’t go to any events.” He also pointed to his recent attendance at the Al Smith charity dinner in New York, where he made light-hearted complaints about not being able to use a teleprompter.
Trump also appeared on Fox & Friends Friday morning, where he answered a question from a 6-year-old boy about his favorite animal.
In typical Trump fashion, he used the innocent question as a springboard for a political jab, humorously suggesting that Harris would get rid of cows if she’s elected.
“I love cows. But if we go with Kamala, you won’t have any cows anymore,” Trump told the child, adding a light-hearted, albeit strange, touch to his response.
In his conversation with reporters, Trump continued to push back against the claims of exhaustion. After his Fox appearance, he claimed to have made “about 15 calls” and boasted about his non-stop schedule.
“I’ve done 48 days now without a rest, and I’ve got that loser who doesn’t have the energy of a rabbit,” Trump said, taking another dig at Harris.
He also went on to emphasize his own resilience, saying, “Tell me when you’ve seen me taking even a little bit of a rest.” He added, “I’m not even tired, I’m really exhilarated.”
The back-and-forth between Harris and Trump highlights the high stakes of the final stretch of the 2024 election. With both candidates ramping up their campaigns, the issue of physical and mental stamina has emerged as a key talking point.
Harris’s comments about Trump’s exhaustion are not just about his ability to campaign, but are also aimed at questioning his overall fitness for the presidency.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to present himself as indefatigable, rejecting any claims that he’s slowing down and aiming to project strength and energy to his supporters.
As the election draws nearer, the question of who can best handle the pressures of the presidency remains central to the campaign rhetoric.
For now, both Harris and Trump are working to prove they have the endurance, with each side casting doubt on the other’s capabilities.
