During a weekend event in Washington, D.C., former President Clinton raised concerns about President Biden’s age and urged people to consider it before casting their ballots in 2024.
Clinton emphasized, “His age is a legitimate issue, and voters have every right to take it into account.”
If reelected, Biden would become the oldest president in history, reaching the age of 86 by the end of a second term. Despite this, he announced his intention to run for office again in April.
Critics have questioned Biden’s fitness for the presidency, citing his tendency to ramble during speeches and his occasional stumbling caught on camera.
During an interview with Clinton, Financial Times editor Edward Luce, aged 75, used the example of Biden’s stumble on the stairs at the G7 Summit in Japan, describing it as “heart-stopping.”
Clinton responded, “It’s a concern that anyone can have.” To paraphrase, “We’ve had presidents in the past who have stumbled and were much younger, and people didn’t go into a frenzy.”
While Biden’s supporters defend him against concerns about his age, the president himself stated last month that his age doesn’t bother him. He appreciates the careful consideration given to the matter and shared that he had reflected on it before deciding to run, expressing his optimism and readiness.
In the 2024 election, Biden’s opponents are using his age as a wedge issue. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has even likened Biden’s reelection effort to “elder abuse.”
Former Trump aide Jason Miller responded to Clinton’s remarks with a joke, tweeting, “Sounds like Crooked is warming up in the bullpen!” in reference to one of Trump’s derogatory nicknames for Clinton.
Clinton, the former secretary of state and U.S. senator, who was also the wife of former President Bill Clinton, was defeated by Trump in the 2016 election. While she has repeatedly stated in recent years that she has no intention of running for president again, she has consistently expressed her belief in Biden’s reelection bid.
During her conversation with Luce, Clinton expressed her belief that Biden is “determined” to run for president and defended his record, stating that it deserves more recognition. She argued that Trump’s accomplishments in job creation, economic expansion, and initiatives like CHIPS have not received the credit they deserve. Clinton expressed her hope for Biden’s reelection and encouraged him to stay focused and competitive in the upcoming election.