November 21, 2023
Unbothered: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Denies Democrats Concern On Biden’s Age
Biden will be 86 at the end of his second term if he's reelected.
President Joe Biden turned 81 on Nov. 20, and his press secretary assured voters that the octagenarian still has his wits about him.
However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre set the record straight during a press briefing, denying that there is any worry ahead of the 2024 presidential election. A reporter asked Jean-Pierre if there was a response to comments made by David Axelrod, senior advisor to former President Barack Obama, who expressed concern about Biden’s advancing age, potentially keeping him out of the Oval Office.
While saying she can only speak from “behind the scenes,” Jean-Pierre says there is nothing to worry about. “There’s no alarm happening behind the scenes. I can only speak behind the scenes here. There’s no alarm happening behind the scenes, and I’m certainly not going to comment on everybody who has something to say.”
She defended her boss, saying Biden is unmatched in energy and stamina, and age isn’t the issue – it’s about the experience. Jean-Pierre briefly reviewed Biden’s resume, pointing out what he’s done so far in his impressive career.
“I would put him up against anyone. The president has used his experience to pass more bipartisan legislation in recent [times] than any other president. That’s just a fact,” the press secretary said. “It’s something that we have seen this president do, and that’s because of his experience. He’s been able to manage multiple foreign policy challenges. That’s because of his experience.”
Axelrod made headlines with his comments in a New York Times article. He said he believes Biden has a “50-50 shot” of winning reelection.
“He thinks he can cheat nature here, and it’s really risky,” Axelrod said, according to The Hill. “They’ve got a real problem if they’re counting on Trump to win it for them. I remember Hillary Clinton doing that, too.”
Polls show that voters have their eyes on Biden’s age and wonder if he will survive a full four-year term. His Republican colleagues are already questioning his abilities – if he wins, Biden will be 86 at the end of his second term. However, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump won’t be too far behind. At 77, if Trump were to be elected, he would be 82 at the end of a potential second term.
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