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Donald Trump’s energy level has become a point of contention as the Republican nominee and Democrat Kamala Harris travel across battleground Michigan with Election Day approaching.
Harris told reporters that Trump was “unfit,” “unstable” and “a danger to our democracy” before an afternoon rally. However, she seemed to strike a nerve with her Republican rival when she mentioned a report that Trump was “exhausted.”
“Being president of the United States is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world, and we really need to ask, if he’s exhausted on the campaign trail, is he fit to do the job?” jabbed Harris, who has been campaigning since Monday and won’t return to Washington until sometime next week.
Harris’ attack comes as she tries to cast doubt on Trump’s health in the final days of the campaign. Trump, at 78, would be the oldest person in the U.S. to become president if he wins. However, he has refused to release his medical records or other health details, breaking decades of tradition in presidential politics.
Trump, who has also been campaigning at a fast pace, retaliated later in the day when asked by reporters about Harris’ comment.
“She’s a loser. She doesn’t attend any events,” Trump charged hours before a rally in Detroit as he listed his activities for the day. He mentioned being on “Fox & Friends” at 7 a.m., having two other appearances, making “about 15 phone calls,” and not taking a rest for 48 days. He dismissed Harris, saying, “I’ve got that loser, who doesn’t have the energy of a rabbit. Tell me when you’ve seen me take even a little bit of a rest. Not only am I not — I’m not even tired. I’m really exhilarated.”
Questions about Trump’s energy level arise as he has canceled some interviews with mainstream media outlets, including “60 Minutes” and CNBC.
However, he frequently appears on friendly cable shows and conservative podcasts, often doing hours of interviews each day.
On Friday, he spent 40 minutes on set with the hosts of “Fox & Friends” before joining “The Dan Bongino Show” and taping an interview with Mark Calaway, the wrestler known as “The Undertaker,” for his “Six Feet Under” podcast. He also attended an editorial meeting with Fox News and the New York Post before embarking on a multi-stop trip to Michigan.
Despite this, top Democrats, including Harris campaign adviser David Plouffe, continue to raise concerns about Trump’s energy levels.
“This is important,” Plouffe said on CNN. “I’ve worked in the White House. It’s the hardest job in the world, and I think it raises real questions. If somebody can’t handle the campaign trail because they’re so exhausted, are they fit to be president. … You just have to watch him every day.”
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Peoples reported from New York. AP writer Jill Colvin in New York contributed.
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