Vice President Kamala Harris has been declared to be in “excellent health” by her physician, Dr. Joshua Simmons. The White House released a letter summarizing Harris’s medical history, in which Dr. Simmons stated that the 59-year-old Democrat possesses the physical and mental resilience necessary for the presidency. According to the letter, Harris suffers from seasonal allergies and urticaria, also known as hives, but she manages these conditions with over-the-counter medication and allergy immune therapy. Her symptoms have significantly reduced to the point where regular medication is no longer required.
In addition, Harris is mildly nearsighted and wears corrective contacts but can comfortably read without them. The letter also mentioned that there is a family history of colon cancer on her mother’s side; however, Harris herself has not experienced any serious illnesses or surgeries as an adult.
Dr. Simmons noted that despite her busy schedule, Vice President Harris maintains a healthy and active lifestyle through daily aerobic exercise and strength training. She does not use tobacco and only consumes alcohol occasionally and in moderation.
The release of this letter came alongside a challenge from Harris’s spokesperson Ian Sams to former President Donald Trump regarding his own health records. Trump has provided limited details about his health in the past.
It should be noted that during his campaign for re-election in 2023, Trump’s personal physician at the time, Dr. Bruce Aronwald, released a letter attesting to Trump’s “exceptional” physical condition based on comprehensive examinations.
Age became a significant issue during the campaign when Joe Biden was still running as the Democratic nominee against Trump. Polls showed that more than 70 percent of voters had concerns about the age of both candidates.
With Biden dropping out of the race due to age-related concerns at 81 years old, Trump became the oldest presidential nominee in U.S history at 78 years old if he were to win a second term.