As we get closer to the 2024 presidential election and it becomes clearer that we’re heading towards a 2020 re-match, there have been concerns about President Joe Biden’s age. In a new campaign ad, the 81-year-old said people should view it as an asset rather than a risk.
“Look, I’m not a young guy,” he said in the advertisement. “That’s no secret. But here’s the deal – I know how to get things done for the American people.”
Former President Donald Trump – who Biden defeated in the 2020 election and is on the way to becoming the GOP presidential candidate for the third election in a row – often makes fun off the president’s age. At 77, Trump is just four years younger than Biden.
“He’s having a hard time now - The words are not flowing smoothly out of his mouth!” said Trump on Truth Social while Biden delivered the annual State of the Union address before Congress.
Earlier this year, a report that characterized Biden as an elderly man with a bad memory increased concerns about his age. It seems like he’s working to turn that narrative around.
He also poked fun at his age Thursday during the SOTU. According to poll results, the speech was a success for Biden, who is the only Democrat candidate for 2024 left in the running following the Super Tuesday primary elections.
He could be heard joking with 76-year-old Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) about “cognitive impairment” on a hot mic after the speech. Biden’s sense of humor was highlighted at the end of the new ad as well.
Near the end, when it seems like the ad is over, a voice can be heard asking: “Can we do one more take?”
“Look, I’m very young, energetic and handsome, what the hell am I doing this for?” Biden said back.