In a recent exchange on CNN, Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida, countered host Kate Bolduan's questioning about the relevance of former President Donald Trump's age in the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
Donalds redirected the focus towards Vice President Kamala Harris's policy record and her perceived lack of transparency.
According to the Daily Caller, Donalds was asked to comment on the potential concern among Republicans about Trump's age, given that he is 78 years old. This question was posed in light of the fact that President Joe Biden, who is 81, had withdrawn from the race on July 21. However, Donalds insisted that the real concern for the 2024 presidential race lies in Harris's past policy record during her tenure as senator and vice president.
Donalds stated, If you look at Kamala Harris throughout the first 24 days that weve seen, she wont answer questions, she wont talk to your network or any other network. He further criticized Harris for her lack of specific policies and her avoidance of hard-hitting questions about her record and future plans. Were talking about the real political and policy issues that are gonna affect the American people. Shes nowhere to be seen, he added.
Bolduan challenged Donalds, asking how Harris's policy discussions could lead people to think she's too old to be president. Donalds clarified that his concern was not about Harris's age, but rather her "ability and competency" to lead the U.S. and implement effective policies. No, its not about her age. Its about her ability and her competency to lead our country going forward. Whats going to be her economic agenda? Is it going to be different from Joe Biden? I dont think so, he said.
Donalds also highlighted Harris's inconsistent stance on major policy positions throughout her political career. He pointed out that while serving in the Senate, Harris co-sponsored the Green New Deal in 2019 and supported eliminating the Senate filibuster to pass the legislation. He also noted that Harris co-signed Senator Bernie Sanders' "Medicare For All" bill, but is now attempting to portray herself as a moderate candidate.
Donalds concluded, So what I am saying is not about age, its about being a candidate for political and economic change to help our country thrive whether you are black or white, rich or poor, middle income, it doesnt matter. That person is Donald J. Trump, it is not Kamala Harris.
Recent polls reflect a divided public opinion on the age factor. A Marquette University Law School poll conducted from July 24 to August 1, 2024, found that 57% of voters believe Trump is "too old" to run for President, while only 13% said the same for Harris. However, other polls have shown more voters expressing concern about Biden's age than Trump's.
Harris's campaign has faced criticism from conservatives for her lack of media engagement since its launch on July 21. The Vice President has yet to provide a detailed proposal of her policy plans and her campaign website does not list any potential policy proposals. This lack of transparency, coupled with her past policy record, has raised questions about her suitability for the presidency, irrespective of age considerations.
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