Voters remain in the dark about the health statuses of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as the U.S. presidential election approaches.
According to CBS News, with only weeks before the election, neither candidate has presented detailed recent health records, fueling ongoing speculation and concern.
The traditions surrounding the release of comprehensive health records for presidential candidates have sharply contrasted with the current scenario. Historical precedence emphasizes transparency, vital for public trust and an informed electorate.
Donald Trump, 78, has declared himself in excellent health after an examination in September 2023, although no specifics were publicly shared. His physician, Dr. Bruce Aronwald, only noted the former president’s exceptional cognitive exams and general well-being in a generalized statement last November.
Similarly, Vice President Kamala Harris, now 59 and the Democratic nominee, has continued her previous practice of not releasing detailed health records. Notably, this withholding of information persists despite an increasing focus on the fitness of presidential candidates given the demanding nature of the presidency.
During a CBS interview on August 20, 2024, Trump mentioned undergoing physical and cognitive tests, boasting about acing them, yet these results have still not been disclosed to the public.
His comments raise both interest and scrutiny:
Rep. Ronny Jackson, after Trump's recovery from a rally incident where he was shot in the ear this July, stated, “Donald Trump was doing extremely well with no long-term effects anticipated.”
The former president’s health has been a point of scrutiny; in October 2020, Trump faced a severe challenge, requiring hospitalization. By June 2020, records hinted at obesity, though reports suggest a subsequent weight loss.
Kamala Harris has similarly faced health challenges publicly; she was treated with Paxlovid in April 2022. July a year before, Harris was seen at Walter Reed for a routine visit, sparking no significant concerns regarding her health.
Though it is not mandated by law for presidential hopefuls to disclose their health records, the practice has been customary. This transparency allows voters to assess the stamina and wellness of candidates, who might be managing undisclosed conditions much like Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy did during their presidencies.
Pundits and political experts weigh in on the necessity of transparency. Matt Dallek pointed out that it’s surprising Harris has not released her medical records. Gene Healy criticized the reliance on candidates’ health summaries, advocating instead for verified disclosures.
According to Gene Healy:
"Donald Trump’s and Kamala Harris’ refusal to release comprehensive medical records as the election nears could be seen as a contentious issue, reflecting a broader debate about transparency and its role in public trust."
The call for transparency is not new, but it accentuates the importance of reliable information during election times. The most significant aspect of this ongoing issue is the potential impact on voter confidence and decision-making based on the health and capability of those running for the presidency.
In summation, the withholding of medical information by both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris adds layers of uncertainty as voters prepare to elect their next leader. The absence of detailed health records might leave the public questioning the readiness and fitness of their future president in these pivotal times.
