President Biden has acknowledged that concerns about his age are “totally legitimate” as questions arise about whether he will seek reelection in 2024. During an interview with ABC’s David Muir, Biden, who is 80 years old, stated that he had not considered his age when deciding to run again, but it was valid for people to raise concerns about it. The oldest president in U.S. history would be 82 when sworn in if reelected in 2024, and his age has raised concerns from both sides of the aisle. Republican Nikki Haley recently suggested that anyone over 75 should take a mental competency test. The White House has dismissed these attacks, and Biden stated that he has other priorities to finish before fully launching a campaign.
Despite concerns about his age, Biden appears to be keeping his options open for running for a second term. His wife, First Lady Jill Biden, recently signaled that he would run for reelection, stating that “he’s not done.” However, the President has stated that he has other priorities to attend to before launching a full-blown campaign.
Biden’s acknowledgment of the concerns about his age demonstrates a willingness to address issues head-on and to be transparent with the public. His statement that people should “watch me” suggests that he is confident in his ability to carry out the responsibilities of the presidency despite his age. As the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and other pressing issues, it remains to be seen whether age will become a significant factor in the 2024 election. Regardless, Biden’s statement shows that he is willing to engage with the concerns of voters and to address them directly.
