In a recent engagement, Hillary Clinton candidly acknowledged the question of President Biden’s age, while urging voters to support him in the forthcoming 2024 elections.
Her remarks came amid a discussion at the Financial Times Weekend Festival in Washington, DC, where the 75-year-old former Secretary of State conceded, “His age is an issue, and people have every right to consider it.”
Clinton was responding to a question about President Biden’s stumble during the G-7 summit in Hiroshima, a misstep that ignited debates about his fitness to lead. However, Clinton highlighted similar instances with younger presidents that did not raise as much concern. She urged the electorate to evaluate Biden on his track record and not exclusively in comparison to other potential contenders.
The former First Lady acknowledged Trump’s age as well, noting the former President is just four years Biden’s junior. She applauded President Biden’s achievements in job creation, economic expansion, and strategic planning, explicitly citing his ambitious CHIPS program.
Clinton expressed optimism about Biden’s potential re-election, emphasizing his dedication and resilience. This sentiment echoes that of the White House, where officials, including Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, have been dismissive of doubts about the President’s age and cognitive abilities.
A Washington Post-ABC News survey showed 63% of respondents doubted Biden’s mental capacity for effective governance, while 62% expressed concerns about his physical condition. Even among Democrats, a significant 60% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll agreed that Biden was too old for government work.
Despite these concerns, President Biden successfully passed his yearly physical examination in February, with his physician declaring him a “healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male.”