Kamala Harris Targets Trump’s Age in Desperate White House Bid
As Kamala Harris celebrates her 60th birthday, the spotlight is shifting towards her US election rival, Donald Trump, whose age has become a contentious issue. Harris has intensified her attacks on the 78-year-old Trump’s mental fitness, labeling him "increasingly unstable" following a series of rambling speeches and a bizarre dance party.
The US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate has released her medical report, describing her as being in "excellent health" and fit for the presidency, while pushing Trump to do the same. However, the billionaire has instead referred to a note from his former White House doctor last year, with his campaign insisting on his stamina.
Trump recently found himself under fire after spending nearly 40 minutes on stage swaying to music at a town hall event. Harris seized the opportunity to question his mental sharpness, tweeting "What is Donald Trump trying to hide?"
Pew Research Center polling has shown that the percentage of people who call Trump "mentally sharp" has dropped from 58% in July to 52% in September. Additionally, 49% of voters believe Trump’s age would hurt his candidacy, while 46% of voters say Harris’s age would help hers.
However, Harris’s age-based attacks on Trump may also have unintended consequences, particularly among older voters. According to a recent CBS poll, voters aged 45-64 side with Trump over Harris 53% to 46%, while among voters aged 65 and over, it grows to 57% to 42%.
Speaking to AFP, Nancy Hirschmann, a professor of American social thought at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the underlying prejudices about age that Harris faces as a woman. "Her age does have an effect in one sense, in that, the sexism of America really is for sure on older women," Hirschmann said.
As the White House bid enters its final stretch, Harris will be hoping that her focus on Trump’s age and mental fitness will pay off. With the polls stagnant for weeks, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will prove decisive in the November 5 vote.
By [Your Name]
Media Talk Africa
