Vice President Kamala Harris has dismissed concerns about Joe Biden’s ability to perform his duties as president following his performance in the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. Two US senators, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, have suggested that members of Biden’s Cabinet should consider applying the 25th Amendment to remove the president.
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, allows the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to notify the Senate and the Speaker of the House that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, making the vice president acting president. If Vice President Kamala Harris and the Cabinet invoke the 25th Amendment and Joe Biden does not stop them, Harris would become acting president. During the debate, Biden spoke in a hoarse voice and made verbal errors, prompting concerns about his capabilities.
Former Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri criticized Biden’s performance, saying he failed to reassure America that he was up to the job. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also expressed doubts about Biden’s capabilities to be commander in chief. Despite differing opinions on Biden’s performance, it remains to be seen whether any action will be taken under the 25th Amendment.
