West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s recent call for US Vice President Kamala Harris to declare President Joe Biden physically unfit for office has stirred significant debate. Morrisey’s demand, conveyed through a letter to Harris, comes on the heels of a report by US Department of Justice special counsel Robert Hur characterizing the 81-year-old president as an “elderly man with poor memory.”
Although Hur’s report advised against prosecuting Biden over mishandling classified documents, Morrisey argues that it paints a compelling picture of a president who is not adequately equipped for the demands of the role. Emphasizing Biden’s alleged cognitive decline as a significant concern, Morrisey urges Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment and assume the presidency.
In his letter, Morrisey highlights instances where Biden appeared to struggle with basic tasks, such as correctly identifying world leaders and articulating on essential issues. He stresses the necessity for a mentally fit leader, particularly amid the current national and global challenges.
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1965 after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, outlines procedures for succession in the event of the president’s sudden incapacitation or resignation. Section 4 of the amendment empowers the vice president and the cabinet to remove the president if they are deemed physically incapable but refuse to relinquish their position. Notably, this provision has never been utilized in the history of the United States.
Morrisey’s call raises questions about the intersection of age, health, and leadership in American politics, prompting broader discussions about presidential fitness and the mechanisms in place to address concerns about a sitting president’s capacity to govern effectively.
In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris asserted her readiness to assume the presidency if necessary, stating that she is prepared to serve and does not feel the need to convince anyone of her capability to lead the nation. However, her declaration comes amid concerning polling data, as a recent NBC survey revealed that only 28% of registered voters hold a positive opinion of Harris, while 53% view her negatively.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has staunchly denied any doubts regarding his mental and physical health, vehemently rebuffing Hur’s characterization of him as an elderly man with poor memory. Biden insisted, “I am an elderly man and I know what I am doing,” during a press conference last week. However, shortly thereafter, he inadvertently confused Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi with the leader of Mexico, sparking renewed concerns.
The issue of Biden’s age has emerged as a significant concern among voters in anticipation of the upcoming presidential election. An ABC News/Ipsos poll published on Monday indicated that a staggering 86% of US voters believe Biden is too elderly to serve another term in office, underscoring broader apprehensions about his ability to effectively fulfill the duties of the presidency in the long term.
