Kamala Harris declares clean bill of health as race with Trump intensifies

Doctor's letter confirms Harris's ability to serve, fitness for high office amid Trump's reluctance to do the same

WASHINGTON:

Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, has released a letter from her physician declaring her to be in good health and fit for high office, aiming to contrast this with her opponent, Donald Trump.

The letter, written by Harris's doctor, Joshua Simmons, and shared by the White House, followed her latest physical examination in April, which was described as "unremarkable."

Dr. Simmons noted that Harris leads an active lifestyle, maintains a healthy diet despite her busy schedule, suffers from seasonal allergies and occasional hives, does not smoke, and drinks alcohol only in moderation.

The doctor affirmed that Harris, aged 59, possesses the physical and mental resilience required to fulfil the responsibilities of the presidency, including those of Chief Executive, Head of State, and Commander-in-Chief.

Harris, who is running against 78-year-old Republican candidate Donald Trump, publicised her medical records in an effort to highlight Trump's reluctance to do the same, according to one of her aides.

Harris criticised Trump’s lack of transparency, suggesting that his team does not want the American public to be fully informed about his health. She shared this view with reporters before travelling to North Carolina.

In response, Trump’s campaign, through Communications Director Steven Cheung, stated that Trump has voluntarily shared health updates from his personal doctor, as well as reports from former White House physician Ronny Jackson, who treated Trump following an assassination attempt. According to these reports, Trump was declared to be in excellent health, capable of fulfilling the role of Commander-in-Chief.

Harris's campaign is keen to focus on Trump’s age, as he is the oldest candidate in the race. After President Joe Biden, now 81, withdrew as the Democratic nominee following a poor debate performance against Trump, the competition has intensified.

Harris’s team is hoping that her relative youth and mental sharpness, compared with Trump’s advanced age and more erratic behaviour, along with a clearer display of transparency, will appeal to undecided voters.

A White House physician previously stated in 2018 that Trump was in good health overall during his presidency, although he was advised to lose weight and adopt a regular exercise regime.

Dr. Simmons, meanwhile, said that Harris's allergies are well-controlled through a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Her urticaria (hives) is described as sporadic, with no specific trigger, and it responds well to antihistamines.

For the past three years, Harris has undergone allergen immunotherapy, which has significantly improved her allergy and hives symptoms, reducing the need for medication aside from occasional nasal spray.

She also wears contact lenses and has a family history of her mother’s colon cancer. Harris is up to date on preventive health measures, including a colonoscopy and annual mammograms.