President Joe Biden, currently 80 years old, received a lighthearted compliment from Vietnam’s 79-year-old Communist Party leader, Nguyen Phu Trong, during his recent visit to Hanoi. While the exchange brought a moment of levity, it highlighted the growing concerns surrounding Biden’s age and his ability to secure a second term in the White House.
Despite efforts by the White House to highlight Biden’s achievements in the economic, social, and diplomatic spheres, his age remains a prominent issue in the polls. Recent data from a CNN poll indicates that 73 percent of voters express concerns about his physical and mental competence, with 76 percent doubting his ability to endure a second term.
During his visit to Vietnam, President Trong remarked, “I think you look very young, handsome… you have beautiful white hair.” The comment, though friendly, contrasts sharply with the ongoing criticism and questions about Biden’s age back in the United States.
One noteworthy point of concern for observers is President Biden’s physical condition and the adjustments made to accommodate it. Journalists following the President have noted his preference for a shorter and more stable staircase when boarding Air Force One, which is usually reserved for inclement weather conditions. This follows instances where Biden stumbled on the main staircase and experienced public falls, incidents that were widely circulated by political opponents.
While Biden’s last medical check-up in February described him as “vigorous” and in “good health,” his age continues to preoccupy voters in a country that often values youth. His gait has become cautious, his speech at times slurred, and he remains under constant media scrutiny.
In contrast, Biden’s potential 2024 rival, former President Donald Trump, who is 77 years old, does not face the same level of age-related scrutiny. While Trump’s weight is a topic of discussion, his age has yet to become a focal point in political discourse.
President Biden’s recent news conference in Hanoi also raised concerns about his fitness, as he appeared frail and provided a confusing response to a question about reducing fossil fuels, referencing an unidentified John Wayne western film. Some conservatives have accused Biden of campaigning from his basement, a strategy employed during the 2020 race at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In response to these concerns, the White House has emphasized Biden’s busy schedule, including participation in the G20 summit in India and a 9/11 commemoration event in Alaska. Nevertheless, the question of age and fitness remains a critical issue as the President contemplates a potential second term.
As the 2024 election season approaches, the debate over President Biden’s age and his ability to lead the nation into the future is expected to continue dominating the political landscape, raising important questions about the intersection of age, leadership, and public perception.
Sources By Agencies
