Fact Check: Did Kamala Harris call Joe Biden 'unstable' during Fox interview?

A recent Instagram video sparked controversy by alleging that Kamala Harris called President Joe Biden 'unstable' during a televised interview
PUBLISHED OCT 25, 2024
A clip, shared on October 16, showed Kamala Harris responding to a question about Joe Biden's mental faculties (Getty Images)
A clip, shared on October 16, showed Kamala Harris responding to a question about Joe Biden's mental faculties (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: A recent Instagram video has caused controversy by alleging that Vice President Kamala Harris called President Joe Biden "unstable" in a televised interview.

The clip, shared on October 16, appears to show Harris responding to a question about Biden's mental faculties, using the word "unstable" repeatedly.


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Tyler Fischer (@tythefisch)


 

The video shows an interviewer asking the Vice President about when she first noticed President Biden's "mental faculties appeared diminished."

In her response, Harris repeatedly states, "He's unstable." The on-screen text reads, "Kamala on Joe Bidens (sic) mental fitness." The post rapidly garnered attention, receiving over 2,000 likes.

Did Kamala Harris call Joe Biden 'unstable' during interview?

The video has been edited to give the impression that Harris is discussing Biden. However, the unaltered footage reveals that Harris referred to "unstable" in response to a question about former president Donald Trump's mental fitness, USA Today reports.

On October 16, Harris engaged in a discussion with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, covering topics like immigration and the economy. The conversation took a turn when Baier broached the topic of mental fitness.



 

However, Baier's question to Harris was not about Biden's condition; it pertained to Trump. The original footage released by Fox News depicts the anchor posing a question, "You called Donald Trump, he's misguided. You say now-"

ASTON, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 23: Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a CNN Presidential Town Hall at Sun Center Studios on October 23, 2024 in Aston, Pennsylvania. With less than two weeks to Election Day, Harris spent the day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and made a visit to Famous 4th Street Delicatessen to greet supporters. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Kamala Harris did not call Joe Biden 'unstable' (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Harris cut off Baier, stating, "He's unstable. He is unstable, Bret." The viral video, however, edited her comment to suggest that she was speaking about President Biden, thus distorting her words.

What did Kamala Harris say about Joe Biden during Fox interview?

After her comments on Trump, Baier shifted the discussion to Biden's capabilities. He inquired about Harris' views on Biden's performance and mental sharpness, alluding to her previous interviews where she commended the President's competence in fulfilling his responsibilities.

Baier asked, "When did you first notice that President Joe Biden's mental faculties appeared diminished?"

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: U.S Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks alongside U.S. Presiden
Kamala Harris stands by Joe Biden's leadership (Getty Images)

In her remarks, Harris supported Biden, highlighting his leadership skills and decision-making prowess.

"Joe Biden, I have watched from the Oval Office to the Situation Room. And he has the judgment and the experience to do exactly what he has done in making very important decisions on behalf of the American people," she was quoted in a USA Today report as stating this.

Harris staunchly defended the president's leadership abilities, refuting any claims of impaired mental faculties.

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