Kamala Harris ready to serve amid concerns over Biden's age

(Patria) - US Vice President Kamala Harris said she is ready to serve as a leader, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal (WTJ), as voter concerns grow about President Joe Biden's age, AFP reported.

The 59-year-old Harris has faced increasing scrutiny of her capabilities as first in line for the presidency should Democrat Biden (81) become incapacitated or step down.

"I am ready to serve. There is no doubt about that," Harris told the WTJ when asked if voter concerns about Biden's age meant she had to convince them of her credentials.

"Anyone who sees me working today knows that I am capable of leading," said Harris, the first female vice president in US history of Black and South Asian descent.

The interview came two days after a special counsel report depicted Biden as older and forgetful. Special Counsel Robert Hur's investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents said the president should not face charges, but added that he could present himself to a jury as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory".

The White House pushed back fiercely against the report, noting that Hur interviewed Biden when he was under significant pressure the day after Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

Harris also defended Biden, calling the special counsel's report "politically motivated".

Harris has taken on a larger role in Biden's re-election campaign, focusing on issues including abortion, ahead of the November vote where she is expected to face former President Donald Trump.

Republicans have often targeted Harris, and polls show the former California senator has low approval ratings, similar to Biden himself.