Is Joe Biden too old to be president? While Democrats and most US media refrain from addressing this issue, it is a hot topic among Republicans and the right-wing press.
But controversy is growing over his obvious desire to be reelected in 2024 as the oldest person ever elected to the highest office in the United States prepares for a grueling Middle East tour.
The issue puts Democrats in a difficult position as there is no clear alternative for Biden, who turns 80 on November 20.
In a recent article by The Atlantic, harshly criticizing the right-wing claims that Biden was suffering from dementia, he concludes, “He’s fit to be president now. But he’s too old for the next election.”
Disappointment with Biden in his own meetings is high: A New York Times poll released Monday shows that 64% of Democratic voters will favor another candidate in 2024. His age is cited as the most important reason for wanting a change.
The president would have turned 82 at the start of his second term and 86 at the end. “His age has become a troubling subject for him and his party,” the New York Times wrote on Saturday.
Like its predecessors, it carries grueling responsibilities, such as the war in Ukraine, and domestic issues such as runaway inflation and widespread gun violence.
to wear
According to a checkup last November, many Americans envy his health and see him as a “strong” man suffering from mild acid reflux and arthritis.
However, he sometimes loses the subject when speaking or makes mistakes while reading a speech. The stuttering that he overcame as a child resurfaces periodically.
The White House has repeatedly had to retract the president’s untimely words on sensitive diplomatic matters.
Biden gives fewer interviews than his predecessors, prefers newspaper columns, his content can be carefully controlled.
Connection with young people
The president is far from an exception in American politics, where many key players are in their 70s, including his 76-year-old predecessor, Donald Trump.
In addition to his health, there is also the question of how a president born during WWII can connect with young Americans.
According to a Morning Consult poll conducted between April and May, only 43% of Democrats aged 18-34 believe Biden lived up to his promises.
Who can replace him? Analysts are skeptical about the chances of 57-year-old Vice President Kamala Harris, who would become the natural candidate if Biden pulls out.
A younger member of the party bodyguard, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, 54, or Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, 40, could be among the options. But a favorite has yet to emerge from the Democratic ranks.
source: Noticias
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