Biden addresses age concerns amid 2024 re-election bid

Joe Biden recently addressed the topic of his age and its impact on the prospects of his 2024 re-election bid. At 80 years old, he is currently the oldest president ever and would be 86 when he stepped down if he wins.

Though the veteran Democrat rarely speaks about his age, polls reveal that it is a matter of significant concern for voters and one that his Republican opponent will undoubtedly exploit.

During a press conference yesterday, alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in the White House Rose Garden, Biden acknowledged that it was natural for people to have concerns. He admitted that he had given the issue considerable thought before deciding to run for president.

“I respect them taking a hard look at it. I’d take a hard look at it as well – I took a hard look at it before I decided to run,” he said.

Biden appeared optimistic about the upcoming election and maintained that he was still up to the challenge of one of the world’s most strenuous jobs.

“I feel good, I feel excited about the prospects,” he said. “People are going to find out. They are going to see a race and they are going to judge whether I have it or don’t have it.”

Biden attempted a lighthearted joke, saying, “I can’t even say I guess how old I am. I can’t even say the number — it doesn’t register.”

The president traditionally makes light of his lengthy political career, which included serving as a senator for 36 years and vice president to the younger Barack Obama for eight. However, voters appear less amused.

A recent NBC News poll discovered that 70% of Americans, including 51% of Democrats, think he should not run in 2024. Additionally, 69% of respondents who said he shouldn’t run cited concerns over his age as a major or minor reason.

If re-elected, Biden would be 82 when he began his second term in January 2025. This would surpass the previous record held by Ronald Reagan, who was 77 when his second term ended in 1989.

Biden’s motivation to continue possibly stems from a sense of historical duty to prevent Donald Trump, who he defeated in 2020, from returning to the presidency. Trump is presently the Republican frontrunner, despite facing multiple legal cases and allegations surrounding his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

When Biden opposed Trump in 2020, the Republican brutally attacked him over his age, dubbing him “Sleepy Joe” and making crude remarks about his mental state. It is highly likely that these tactics will return with greater intensity if Trump secures his party’s nomination.

When asked if he saw himself as the only individual capable of defeating Trump, Biden responded, “I may not be the only one, but I know him well, and I know the danger he presents to our democracy and we’ve been down this road before” reports Bangkok Post.