Harris dodges question about Biden’s mental decline

Vice President Kamala Harris has defended the mental acuity of US President Joe Biden during a contentious interview with Fox News.

Biden suspended his re-election campaign in July amid concerns about his age and mental decline and named Harris as his successor. 

Host Bret Baier asked Harris on Wednesday when did she “first notice that President Biden’s mental faculties appeared diminished.” 

The vice president replied that she had watched Biden’s actions “from the Oval Office to the Situation Room.” 

“He has the judgment and experience to do exactly what he has done in making very important decisions on behalf of the American people,” the VP insisted. 

When Baier tried to ask a follow-up question, Harris interrupted and pivoted to attacking her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, whom she repeatedly called “unstable.” 

“Joe Biden is not on the ballot, and Donald Trump is,” she said, adding that the American people “have a concern” about Trump’s ability to lead the country again.

While initially reluctant to withdraw, Biden ended his candidacy after a disastrous televised debate with Trump, in which he appeared confused and often struggled to finish sentences. Harris has since praised Biden, describing his decision to leave the race as “one of the most courageous” that a president could make.