One reason is simply the physical difference between the two. Biden appeared increasingly frail toward the end, stumbling and falling at times. These photos made the next day’s front page headlines. The latest poll showing concerns about his health and age comes days after Biden held a hastily called press conference over the special counsel’s report into his handling of classified documents. .
Although the report did not find the US president guilty of any criminal activity, it was actually more damaging. It questioned whether the president’s memory was adequate, especially regarding important events such as the death of his son and his time as vice president. The report describes Biden as a “sympathetic and well-meaning old man with a poor memory.”
It didn’t help that while confronting the media about this controversial report, the US president confused the Egyptian president with the Mexican president, only reinforcing the report’s conclusions. A few days earlier, he confused the current French president with a former French president who died decades ago.
At another event, he seemed to forget the name Hamas. It’s no secret that many within the Democratic Party are concerned.
The bigger concern is that President Trump and his supporters are taking it to the streets and painting the president as an old man. Major polls show that Mr. Trump would have a narrow lead over Mr. Biden if the election were held today. Some Democratic leaders have made their concerns public.
Like Dean Phillips, who tried to challenge Biden’s nomination. He faced backlash after sharing photos and videos of Biden’s gaffe on social media. But while he praised Biden, he said, “It’s shameful that he’s pretending everything is okay.” You are leading us, and him, to disaster, and you know it well. ”
According to US media reports, Biden’s campaign managers are also divided on how to handle this. Some think he should reduce his public activities, while others say it only fuels the narrative that all is not well for him.
The issue of Biden’s age may seem like a superficial one, but it is especially important when it comes to a high-level office like US president. Personally, I think that pales in comparison to the very serious criminal charges that Donald Trump is facing.
But politics has a lot to do with perception, and even superficially, this is a battle Biden cannot win. At the end of the day, American voters need to decide what issues are most important to them. Will Biden be judged on his handling of the economy, foreign policy, and the big issue of abortion, or will he be judged on his age?