Vice President Harris has affirmed that President Biden is fully capable of completing his current term and potentially serving another, despite concerns raised about his debate and interview performances. A recent investigation revealed that over the past year, there have been more than 80 publicly documented encounters involving the President.
From July 18, 2023, to July 17, 2024, Vice President Harris, now the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate following Biden's withdrawal, engaged in at least 25 meetings, eight lunches, and 46 events with the President. They also traveled together on two occasions, making Harris one of the individuals best positioned to assess the President's mental acuity.
It is important to note that the publicly listed meetings are just a fraction of their interactions, as not all activities are included in official schedules. For instance, time spent in high-security settings like the Situation Room, where Biden and Harris attend briefings together, is not always disclosed.
Following Biden's challenging debate performance against former President Trump in June, Vice President Harris defended him during an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, emphasizing Biden's commitment to serving the American people.
Despite criticisms regarding Biden's mental fitness, Harris has consistently vouched for his capabilities. In response to allegations of confusion during debt negotiations, Harris highlighted Biden's authoritative presence in various settings, including the Oval Office and international meetings.
After a Justice Department report raised concerns about Biden's handling of classified information and memory lapses, Harris refuted the claims, emphasizing the President's active involvement in critical decision-making processes, such as responding to the October 7 attack on Israel.
Harris emphasized Biden's leadership during the crisis, noting his coordination with defense and intelligence officials to address the situation promptly. She dismissed the report's characterization of Biden's demeanor as politically motivated and reiterated her confidence in his ability to lead effectively.
