Kamala Harris’ efforts to dodge a question from an Australian reporter regarding former President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities didn’t quite succeed, as the journalist called out her evasive response.
During an interview on Wednesday, the former vice president, who typically refrains from criticizing Biden, launched into a lengthy critique of President Trump when asked if Biden’s “failure to acknowledge his weaknesses” could cost him in the 2024 election, according to ABC TV’s Sarah Ferguson.
Harris asserted that Biden would not be “vulnerable” as president when pressed further by Ferguson.
“I ran against Donald Trump,” Harris began, “and I think he largely misled the American public about his intentions.”
She accused Trump of deceiving voters about his priorities and lamented the “ton of misinformation” she encountered on the campaign trail. However, Ferguson interrupted her.
“I apologize for cutting in,” she said. “That’s a great point, but my question is about Joe Biden’s failure to recognize his weaknesses and its impact on you.”
Ferguson then probed, “Are you hesitant to criticize the former president?”
Harris seemed taken aback by the reporter’s determination, leading to a somewhat tense exchange.
“What do you mean? Could you clarify?” the former vice president asked, appearing confused.
When reporters kept pushing about Biden’s “weaknesses,” Harris insisted, “He was not weak as president.”
The reporter countered, “But there were weaknesses. We all noticed during the debate.”
Harris maintained that Biden is “capable of being president” and stated she had never doubted his abilities.
However, she did express some concerns about the then-81-year-old president’s capacity to endure a presidential campaign.
Ferguson followed up, “Is there any reason you wouldn’t address that lingering question about frailty?”
Harris replied, “I did respond to that. I can’t believe it [that Biden was perceived as frail].”
