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“lol hey guys”

— President Biden, whose reelection campaign joined TikTok. Does Gen Z even say lol?

Top Story

President Biden and VP Harris at a press conference

We Did It, Joe

The Story

VP Kamala Harris says she is “ready to serve.”

Did someone ask?

The Wall Street Journal did. Two days before Robert Hur's bombshell report described 81-year-old President Biden as an “elderly man with a poor memory,” the WSJ asked Harris: Given voters’ concerns about Biden’s age (now about 86% of voters by one poll), does she have to convince voters she’s ready to serve if needed? Harris answered that she’s “ready to serve. There’s no question about that” and that everyone who sees her work “walks away fully aware of my capacity to lead.” It’s not the first time Harris has fielded a question about Biden’s age. Still, Harris's latest response comes as reports have put the future of the Democratic ticket front and center.

Does that mean the Dems are making backup plans?

No. Democratic officials say there’s no serious talk of replacing Biden on the presidential ticket. Other Democrats have expressed concerns about Harris as a political liability, pointing to her low polling numbers and early struggles in her term as VP. For her part, Harris has defended Biden and called Hur’s report “gratuitous, inaccurate and inappropriate.” Biden has also defended himself against the report, saying “my memory is fine” and he’s “the most qualified person in this country” to be president. Meanwhile, other reports are looking at what a Plan B for Democrats would look like.

theSkimm

Until now, concerns about the leading presidential candidates’ ages have loomed over the race, as both have made a series of embarrassing public errors. Now, Hur’s report may have marked a turning point, cranking up the pressure on 81-year-old Biden and 77-year-old former President Trump to assuage voters’ concerns about their ability to lead.

Related Stories:

And Also...This

Who’s looking for a new “Congressional Icon”...

Long Island, NY. Today, there will be a special election to replace the now-expelled George Santos. Democrat Tom Suozzi is looking to take back his old job and flip the seat back to blue as he runs against Republican Mazi Pilip. Polls show the two neck-and-neck as the House GOP works to expand its razor-thin, 219-212 majority. The stakes are high: In an embarrassing vote for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) last week, Republicans failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas — to which former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said she cautioned Republicans not to bring something to the floor “unless you know you have the votes.” Republicans hope to try again to impeach Mayorkas, potentially as early as today.

Where there could be a breakthrough…

Dementia research.Yesterday, scientists published new research showing they've made progress in developing a blood test that can predict dementia risk. No, this is not a Theranos situation. Researchers used blood samplesfrom over 50,000 healthy participants — more than 1,400 of whom developed dementia. With the help ofartificial intelligence, the researchers analyzed the blood and foundfour proteins that could be predictive of dementia more than a decade before official diagnosis. In some cases, researchers detected dementia with an estimated 90% accuracy about 15 years before a patient was diagnosed. Experts reportedly say the blood test could help speed up new treatment options for patients.

Who's back on late-night TV...

Jon Stewart. Last night, Stewart returned to "The Daily Show" desk after leaving the program nearly a decade ago. The late-night host didn’t hold back and kept his promise of trying to break down the 2024 election. Surprise, surprise: Stewart took aim at both President Biden and former President Trump's ages, making it the focus of his monologue. He said both men are “stretching the limits of being able to handle the toughest job in the world.” There’s plenty more where that came from: Stewart will be hosting the show Monday nights to cover the election.

Skimm Picks

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. The powerful probiotic Halle Berry swears by.

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4. Send this to your partner so they know what to get you for Valentine's Day.

Granted, your gift of choice probably won't come in time for tomorrow...but there's always next year. (And they can keep this page bookmarked for your birthday or anniversary.)

Hint, hint

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

†Based on in vitro studies.

THESKIMM BETA

We're building a tool to help you cross off the to-dos keeping you up at night. Meet theSkimm Beta, a space where you can learn how to manage your debt and get more pleasure. Check it out.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Happy Galentine’s Day…Rhaina C (DC). Her debut book, “The Other Significant Others,” hits bookstores today. The non-fiction book, featured on The Ezra Klein Show, covers stories of people who chose to prioritize friendships over romantic relationships...and where that choice took them. Significant news.

(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Chantal Vaca (NY), Anna-Elyse Lewis (SC), Aranka Bullen (TX), Allison Walker Countryman (GA), Kimberly Ehlers (TX), Fred Erben (TX), Carmella DeFichy (NY), Lyndsey Parham (NC), Mary-Bradley Flynn (AL), Annabeth Niemann (IL), Vito Altieri (CA), Maria Moussa (VA), Ali Salisbury (IL), Becky Ferguson (NE), Candace Easton (NY), Rebecca Rupff (TN)

PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.