OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
Many Americans are beginning to see the painful reality that Kamala Harris could potentially take over the presidency in the event that Joe Biden’s health continues to decline.
At 80, Biden holds the record for the oldest-serving president in U.S. history. Should he win a second term in 2024, he would be 82 at the start of it and 86 at the end.
As a result, Harris could potentially win the White House “by default” going into 2024. Harris has openly expressed her readiness to fulfill her constitutional duty and assume the presidency if President Biden were unable to govern due to health concerns.
BREAKING – YOUR REACTION: Again, VP Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) says she's ready to take over from @JoeBiden as commander-in-chief. WATCH pic.twitter.com/e5Zw6D6CRm
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) September 7, 2023
“Every vice president understands that when they take the oath, they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president,” she said.
While addressing questions about Biden’s age and health, Harris confirmed her preparedness for the responsibility.
Regarding concerns about Biden’s age, Harris dismissed them, despite poll results showing that a significant percentage of Americans consider him too old for a second term.
“I see him every day,” she said in defense of Biden.
“Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition,” Harris said.
“A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and make important decisions on behalf of the American people have played out.”
“And so I will say to you that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers. And Joe Biden delivers,” she claimed
In the interview, Harris also touched on her past career as a prosecutor and her belief in holding individuals accountable under the law.
She referenced her work as San Francisco district attorney and California’s attorney general, expressing her view that people should face consequences for breaking the law.
Regarding former President Trump’s involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, Harris emphasized the importance of letting evidence and facts determine accountability, emphasizing her background as a prosecutor.
How can Kamala Harris possibly be ready to step up to Commander in Chief if she isn’t even interested in the things she’s supposed to be involved in i.e. the BORDER which she has only ever been to ONCE‼️ @thefivefnc pic.twitter.com/mkFclwwhp2
— Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) September 6, 2023
With the 2024 presidential election cycle underway and Trump potentially becoming the Republican nominee, both Biden and Harris have expressed concerns about the threat he poses to American democracy.
Harris is currently representing the United States at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as President Biden is absent from the event. Despite some disappointment over his absence, Harris and the White House emphasized his commitment to the region.
Harris’ approval ratings have faced challenges during her vice presidency, with polls indicating a significant percentage of registered voters hold negative views of her performance.