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Joe Biden, the United States’ most senior president, garnered an unexpected endorsement regarding his age: Donald Trump remarked that the Democrat was “not too old” to pursue a second term, though he swiftly appended, “I believe he’s ineffective.”
The former president’s remarks were made during an upcoming interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” scheduled for Sunday. These comments emerge against the backdrop of a significant national discourse surrounding the advancing age of the political leadership, a crucial element in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. At that time, President Biden will be nearing 82 years old, while former President Trump himself will be 78.
Opinion polls indicate that, although the age difference between the two individuals is relatively small, Americans express greater concern about President Biden’s age. One survey even reveals that three out of four people harbor doubts about his ability to serve a second term.
It is worth noting that Trump concluded his own presidential term as the second-oldest president in U.S. history, with Ronald Reagan being 77 at the end of his tenure. This historical context poses a challenge for the real estate magnate, as he repeatedly attempts to portray Biden as unfit for the job by labeling him as “sleepy.”
Despite his age, which would make him 82 at the conclusion of a potential second term, the Republican candidate remains determined to navigate this challenge.
“Some of history’s most esteemed world leaders have thrived well into their 80s,” he stated during an interview with NBC. “By the way, I’m far from reaching that age myself.”
He continued, “Age isn’t the primary concern. It’s about competence, and I believe that’s where Biden falls short. That’s the real issue.”
Biden, who overcame a stuttering challenge in his youth, has frequently faced ridicule for occasional verbal miscues. However, he maintains a healthy lifestyle, abstains from alcohol, and is frequently spotted cycling around his Delaware residence on weekends.
Furthermore, Democrats commend his competence, as he has successfully shepherded significant legislation through, such as a substantial infrastructure bill, the most comprehensive gun-safety reform in decades, and the ambitious Build Back Better social spending program.
Biden has also maintained an active presence on the global stage. Indeed, during his recent trip to Vietnam, which some analysts suggest was partly intended to underscore his vitality, the 79-year-old Communist leader of that country warmly praised Biden for his comparatively youthful vigor.
Trump, on his part, has received mostly favorable assessments during his annual physicals, although he has been classified as overweight and engages in minimal physical activity, primarily limited to playing golf. Similar to Biden, he abstains from alcohol consumption.
Trump has also experienced his fair share of peculiar verbal moments, mispronunciations, and physical mishaps.
However, during an NBC interview, he expressed his lack of concern regarding his age, citing the longevity of his parents as a genetic advantage.
“So genetically, that’s a positive aspect.”
His unwavering confidence in his mental capabilities became a subject of ridicule during the 2020 presidential campaign when Trump claimed to have achieved an “incredible” result on a supposed test of cognitive acuity. He asserted that he had to recall, in sequence, the words: “Person, woman, man, camera, TV.”
His repeated recitation of these five words garnered mockery from political opponents and gained widespread attention on social media.
Nevertheless, in an apparent allusion to that cognitive test during the NBC interview, Trump asserted, “I excelled at it. I answered everything correctly.”
