White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is facing questions about a survey showing a majority of Americans are concerned about President Joe Biden’s age.
During an interview on Tuesday, Jean-Pierre was asked about an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs survey that found 77% of Americans believe Biden is too old to serve another four years.
Host Jake Tapper brought up the poll and asked, “What did you make of it the other day when former ambassador and Governor Nikki Haley said that President Biden is – I’m paraphrasing here but – something along the lines of degrading before our eyes, and that ultimately, Vice President Kamala Harris will be president in a second term?”
The press secretary responded, “I’m not going to respond directly to Nikki Haley. I’m not going to do that, can’t do that, Hatch Act.” She went on to tout Biden’s record in office.
“But I’m talking about his age and his stamina and his ability to do the job,” Tapper shot back.
He added, “And you’re talking about the record, and I understand why you’d rather talk about the record. But I’m talking about what Americans see when they turn on the TV and they see, you know, Joe Biden’s been in politics literally since before you were born. And like, he’s aged as we all do.”
Watch the video below:
WH's @PressSec on 77 percent of Americans saying Biden's too old for a second term: "He went to Kyiv. And he was there with the alarms blaring in the back, & people were so impressed he was able to be there & look strong" pic.twitter.com/M8HZ6nhx3t
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) August 29, 2023
Jean-Pierre pointed out Biden’s trip to Ukraine earlier this year to push back on concerns about his age.
“People were so impressed that he was able to be there and look strong and represent the American people in Kyiv, in a war zone country,” she added.
However, Tapper clarified, “I’m not saying he’s not able to walk.”
“No, but you’re talking about his strength, right? You’re talking about how he’s looking now,” Jean-Pierre said.
Tapper interjected, “He’s 80. I think the average age of the American male only lives to be 77 or something.”
Still, Jean-Pierre insisted people were impressed by Biden’s trip to Ukraine and noted the president tells Americans to watch him to determine if he is fit enough for the job.
“They are watching him! Seventy-seven percent are concerned,” Tapper responded.