Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
- Joe Biden said it's "totally legitimate" for people to question whether he is too old for a second term.
- Biden, who will turn 80 in November, has signaled his intention to seek reelection in 2024.
- Questions loom regarding who among America's aging leaders will make a presidential bid in 2024.
President Joe Biden, who is nearly 80, said it's "totally legitimate" for voters to question whether he can handle a second term as president.
Questions have loomed for months regarding who among America's aging leaders would make a presidential bid in 2024, and Biden addressed this concern with MSNBC's Jonathan Capehart in an interview that aired Sunday.
"I think it's a legitimate thing to be concerned about anyone's age, including mine. I think that's totally legitimate," Biden said, whose 80th birthday is in November. "I think the best way to make the judgment is to watch me. Am I slowing up? Am I going at the same pace?"
The president added that he could "get a disease" or "drop dead tomorrow" but that he's in good health now. In a separate interview, Biden said it is his "intention" to seek re-election in 2024, though he has not yet formally declared his candidacy.
"In terms of my energy level and in terms of how much I'm able to do, I think people should look and say, 'Does he still have the same passion for what he's doing?' And if they think I do and I can do it, then that's fine. If they don't...they should encourage me not to go," Biden said.
Recent polls show a majority of Americans think both Biden and 76-year-old former president Donald Trump are too old to seek reelection. Trump has repeatedly hinted at a presidential bid and will reportedly make an announcement following November midterms.
"I can't even say the age that I'm gonna be. I can't even get it out of my mouth," Biden told MSNBC. "I'm in good health. All of my, everything physically about me is still functioning well and mentally too. So you know, I understand that people wanted to ask that question."
source https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-totally-legitimate-voters-question-a-second-term-2022-10