David Axelrod, former adviser for former President Barack Obama, suggested President Joe Biden’s age could prove to be a problem if he wins reelection.
During an interview with The New York Times, Axelrod acknowledged the presidency “is a monstrously taxing job,” adding, “And the stark reality is the president would be closer to 90 than 80 at the end of a second term, and that would be a major issue.”
He continued, “Biden doesn’t get the credit he deserves for steering the country through the worst of the pandemic, passing historic legislation, pulling the NATO alliance together against Russian aggression and restoring decency and decorum to the White House.”
Axelrod explained, “And part of the reason he doesn’t is performative. He looks his age and isn’t as agile in front of a camera as he once was, and this has fed a narrative about competence that isn’t rooted in reality.”
He is not the only one expressing concerns when it comes to Biden’s age.
The Times reported, “To nearly all the Democrats interviewed, the president’s age — 79 now, 82 by the time the winner of the 2024 election is inaugurated — is a deep concern about his political viability.”
The report continued, “They have watched as a commander in chief who built a reputation for gaffes has repeatedly rattled global diplomacy with unexpected remarks that were later walked back by his White House staff, and as he has sat for fewer interviews than any of his recent predecessors.”
An NPR/PBS/Marist College poll released last week shows Biden’s approval rating stands at 38%.
CNN noted the White House said last year the president intends to run for reelection.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) was asked if she plans to support Biden in his reelection bid during an interview with CNN.
“I think if the President has a vision, then that’s something certainly we’re all willing to entertain and examine when the time comes,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
Host Dana Bash replied, “That’s not a yes.”
Ocasio-Cortez explained, “We should endorse when we get to it, but I believe that the President’s been doing a very good job so far, and, you know, should he run again, I think that I, you know, I think … we’ll take a look at it.”
She added, “But right now, we need to focus on winning a majority instead of a presidential election.”
Earlier this year, a CNN poll conducted by SSRS found 45% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters wanted to see Biden renominated in 2024, compared to 51% who would like to see a different candidate.