US Vice President J.D. Vance joked with Fox News host Sean Hannity about the stress of serving under ailing former President Joe Biden, suggesting he would be constantly worried that Biden might die and he would have to become president. In the interview, Vance was asked how he would handle being first in line to assume presidential powers if Donald Trump were ever unable to serve. He replied that Trump is in strong health and casts a big shadow, before adding that if he served under Biden, he would be worried every minute of every day that the former president was going to croak and that he would have to become president.
Vance joked that he would never be able to sleep in such a situation and would keep his phone volume at maximum in case the emergency call came. The decline in Biden’s physical and cognitive condition, long denied as an issue by his administration, became a central political topic after his disastrous performance in an election debate with Trump last year. This prompted Democratic Party leaders to pressure the then-81-year-old to step down as their presidential candidate in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Critics of the current president, who is 79, say he frequently exhibits ‘elderly moments’ of his own during public events. Trump has also faced public scrutiny over visible bruising on his right hand and swelling around his ankles, concerns the White House has attributed to preventative aspirin use and a mild age-related vascular condition.
This public focus on the health of both presidential candidates has intensified the political discourse surrounding the 2024 election. While Biden’s health remains a contentious issue, Trump’s own physical condition has also drawn attention, with both sides attempting to downplay any concerns. The ongoing debate over the suitability of each candidate highlights the broader political tensions within the United States.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the scrutiny of both candidates’ health continues to shape the political landscape. Vance’s comments underscore the high stakes and personal pressures associated with holding the highest office in the land, as well as the deepening polarization of the electorate. The implications of these health concerns could significantly impact the outcome of the upcoming election, affecting policy priorities and voter behavior in the lead-up to the vote.