President Joe Biden says concerns about his age are fair.
During an interview with ABC News, Biden, who is 80, was asked whether he is considering his age when deciding whether to run for office again.
Biden said "no," but then went on to say it's a "legitimate" concern.
"It's legitimate for people to raise issues about my age. It's totally legitimate to do that. And the only thing I can say is 'Watch me,'" the president said.
Biden said his intention has always been to run for a second term, but noted "there's too many things" to finish in the current term to start planning a campaign.
First Lady Jill Biden has hinted that the president is on the verge of launching a reelection bid, telling the Associated Press there's "pretty much" nothing left to do but figure out the time and place for the announcement.
"He says he's not done," Dr. Biden added. "He's not finished what he's started. And that's what's important."
On his wife's comments, Biden told ABC News "Like my mother would say, 'God love her.'"
"I've got other things to finish before I get into a full-blown campaign," he added.
Biden, already the oldest president in U.S. history and whose age exceeds the average male life expectancy (73.2 according to the Centers for Disease Control), would be 82 when sworn in if reelected in 2024, and 86 at the end of his second term.
A health assessment released by the White House earlier this month following an annual physical exam described Biden as "healthy," "vigorous," and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency."
The assessment noted that Biden is being treated for a-fib with normal ventricular response, hyperlipidemia, gastroesophageal reflux, seasonal allergies, spinal arthritis and mild sensory peripheral neuropathy of the feet -- for which he takes three common prescription medications and two common over-the-counter medications. The report did not include results from any cognitive tests.
Biden previously told PBS he would be completely transparent if he thought a health issue would prevent or hinder him from carrying out his presidential duties.
"I would be completely, thoroughly honest with the American people if I thought there was any health problem, anything that would keep me from being able to do the job," he said. But, you know, I just — I think people have to just watch me."
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