During a recent interview, Kamala Harris acknowledged her readiness to step into the role of President if necessary. As questions about Joe Biden’s age continue to circulate, Harris emphasized the responsibility that comes with the vice presidency and the possibility of assuming the highest office in the nation.

Harris, currently 58 years old, firmly stated that every vice president understands the weight of their responsibility and the potential need to assume the presidency. While she initially deflected questions about Biden’s age by focusing on his legislative accomplishments, Harris acknowledged that she is prepared to step in if the situation arises. This statement highlights the importance of the vice president’s role as a successor and underscores the significance of their readiness to take over if necessary.

Throughout American history, eight presidents have died in office. This historical context further emphasizes the need for vice presidents to be prepared for the possibility of assuming the presidency. Harris’s acknowledgment of this historical precedent demonstrates her awareness of the potential realities of the role she occupies.

Joe Biden, already the oldest president in U.S. history, will turn 81 in November. Questions about his age and potential health concerns have been raised, but politicians in Washington typically avoid engaging in hypothetical discussions about the death or incapacity of elderly figures. The sensitivity surrounding this topic is rooted in the fear of being viewed as insensitive or opportunistic.

Reports suggest that Biden has expressed dissatisfaction with Harris, despite publicly praising her. A former White House official revealed that Biden sees her as someone who doesn’t alleviate his workload, potentially due to a fear of making mistakes. This tension between the president and vice president has been an ongoing theme, with Biden reportedly considering Harris a “work in progress.”

Author Chris Whipple’s book, “The Fight of His Life,” further highlights Biden’s frustrations with Harris. According to Whipple, Biden vented to a friend about Harris’s husband, Douglas Emhoff, complaining about the tasks assigned to her. This incident revealed a strain in their relationship and highlighted differences in their approaches to their respective roles.

Despite being selected as Biden’s running mate in 2020, Harris’s favorability ratings are lower than Biden’s. Recent polls show that she has a 40.7% approval rating, compared to Biden’s 41.7%. If Biden were to ultimately exit the 2024 campaign, Harris’s vulnerability would likely unleash a contested Democratic primary. Speculation about potential challengers, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, has already begun to surface.

If Harris were to become the Democratic nominee in the event of Biden’s departure, a contentious primary is expected. This prospect adds another layer of uncertainty to the political landscape. On the Republican side, former President Trump, who currently dominates the primary polls, would pose a significant challenge to Harris in a general election.