(MENAFN) US Vice President J.D. Vance described the experience of serving under former President Joe Biden as potentially extremely stressful, noting that the previous leader could “croak” at any moment.

During an interview with Fox News host on Thursday, Vance was questioned about how he manages the responsibility of being first in line to assume presidential powers if Donald Trump were ever unable to serve.

Vance responded by highlighting Trump’s robust health, stating that he “casts a big shadow.” He then added: “But if I served under Joe Biden, I’d probably be worried every minute of every day that he was going to croak and that I’d have to become president.”

He humorously remarked that such a scenario would make it impossible to sleep, explaining he would keep his phone at full volume to ensure he didn’t miss any emergency calls.

Concerns about Biden’s physical and cognitive health—previously downplayed by his administration—gained attention after a notably poor debate performance against Trump last year.

This incident led Democratic leaders to urge the then-81-year-old to step aside as the party’s presidential nominee in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Critics of the current president, now 79, argue that he still exhibits occasional “elderly moments” during public appearances.

Meanwhile, Trump has also come under scrutiny for visible bruising on his right hand and swelling around his ankles, which the White House has explained as the result of preventative aspirin use and a mild, age-related vascular condition.

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