Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has said President Biden is unlikely to live to the end of a second term, so his supporters will have to rely on Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the country.
GOP hopefuls are weighing how far to go to attack Mr. Biden, 80, older than his age, despite Ms. Haley diving straight in during an interview with Fox News.
“He’s announced he’ll be running again in 2024, and I think we can all be very clear and say with certainty that if you vote for Joe Biden, you’re really counting on a President Harris because the idea that he would until age 86 is not something I think likely,” said Ms. Haley, a 51-year-old former governor of South Carolina and former US ambassador to the United Nations.
Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris, 58, officially kicked off their re-election campaign this week, saying “MAGA” Republicans are a threat to the nation and want to “finish the job” by advancing their agenda.
Ms Haley emphasizes the need for a new generation of leaders as she takes on former President Donald Trump, 76, and the rest of the main field. She says political leaders over the age of 75 should take a mental capacity test.
Polls show many voters wary of Mr Biden’s push for a second term, given his advanced age, although the White House insists he has the stamina for another run and has offered a direct reply to Mrs. Haley.
“As you know, we don’t respond directly to campaigns here. But honestly, I forgot she was showing up,” White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told NBC News.