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Nikki Haley shredded online after 'a vote for Joe Biden is a vote for Kamala Harris' jibe

Kamala Harris has expressed her readiness to assume the presidency if Biden were unable to govern effectively due to health or age-related concerns

WASHINGTON, DC: Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley ignited a firestorm by serving a "reminder" to the public that "a vote for Joe Biden is a vote for President Kamala Harris."

The contentious statement came in response to Vice President Kamala Harris' remarks during a September 6 interview, where she discussed her readiness to assume the presidency if President Biden were unable to govern effectively due to health or age-related concerns.

Biden, who is currently 80 years old and set to turn 81 in November, holds the distinction of being the oldest serving president in US history. Should the Democrats secure victory in the 2024 election, he would be 82 when inaugurated for a potential second term, with his tenure concluding at the age of 86.

Kamala Harris ready to 'take over'

While Harris referred to the possibility of taking over the presidency as "hypothetical," she emphasized her preparedness for such a scenario, stating, "I’m no different."

"Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition," Harris told The Associated Press in Jakarta, Indonesia, during a regional summit. "But let us also understand that every vice president — every vice president — understands that when they take the oath they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president."

Despite Harris' assurances, concerns about Biden's age continue to persist. A recent AP/NORC poll revealed that 77% of Americans, including 69% of Democrats, believe he is too old for a second term.

This sentiment has been seized upon by some Republican presidential candidates, Nikki Haley among them, who argue that a vote for Biden equates to a vote for Harris. Haley underscored this point in her tweet, sharing an article covering Harris' interview. "Reminder: A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for President Kamala Harris," she wrote.

Nikki Haley faces backlash

Liberals on social media excoriated the former South Carolina governor over the pointed remark. 

"A vote for Nikki Haley, is a vote to cut your own social security retirement funds," one responded.

"I didn't need the reminder, but thank you. President Harris does have a nice sound to it. I will happily vote Harris in the next 2-3 elections," another posted.

"Great. Much better than for any Republican. She will defend our rights," someone else insisted.

"Reminder: A vote for Nikki Haley is a waste of a vote," another quipped.

Haley, a former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor, has consistently raised concerns about Biden's age as he enters his re-election campaign at 80 years old. In an April interview with Fox News, she suggested that Biden's chances of serving a full second term were slim, given his age.

"He announced that he’s running again in 2024, and I think that we can all be very clear and say with a matter of fact that if you vote for Joe Biden you really are counting on a President Harris, because the idea that he would make it until 86 years old is not something that I think is likely," Haley said at the time.

An incredibly stressful job

The presidency is an incredibly demanding role, often considered one of the most stressful positions globally. Even younger presidents, such as former President Barack Obama, have experienced their hair turning gray during their time in the White House due to the immense pressures of the office.

For President Biden, who is currently 80 and nearing his 81st birthday, these stressors, coupled with his age, raise concerns about potential health complications that could arise during his presidency.

Critics contend that Harris, as Vice President, would be the first in line to assume the presidency should Biden encounter difficulties, a scenario they caution against.

It's worth noting that Harris ran for the presidency in 2020 but ultimately withdrew from the race after the Democratic primary debates. She garnered fewer pledged delegates than several other candidates.

As the 2024 presidential election cycle gains momentum, the Biden-Harris administration faces challenges on multiple fronts, including potential competition from former President Donald Trump, who is currently the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, despite facing legal challenges stemming from his tenure.

"Democracies are very fragile," Harris stated during Wednesday’s interview. "They will only be as strong as our willingness to fight for it."

The debate over Biden's age and Harris' readiness to step into the presidency is set to continue as the 2024 election approaches, making it a key issue for voters to consider.