They are not doing a good job.
President Joe Biden’s response to questions about his age has shifted from a confident “watch me” to a plea for trust, as individuals within his administration and supportive lawmakers step forward to vouch for his mental acuity. Following special counsel Robert Hur’s report, which raised concerns about Biden’s memory, allies have come forward to highlight his engagement and attention to detail. The White House has even released a memo listing bipartisan officials who affirm Biden’s sharpness.
Despite these endorsements, some prominent Democrats remain unconvinced that this strategy will alleviate concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities. They fear that the protective measures taken by the White House could isolate Biden from those who appreciate his humanity, imperfections included. Representative Debbie Dingell emphasized the importance of allowing Biden to be himself, suggesting that excessive control over his public image could backfire.
With nine months until the election, Biden has time to refine his approach and gauge public perception of Hur’s report. However, the report has elevated concerns about Biden’s age, sparking a high-stakes debate about his fitness for office. Some Democrats, including a former lawmaker, have suggested that the report should prompt Biden to reconsider his candidacy, although Biden has shown no indication of stepping down.
The White House has denied any change in strategy following the release of the Hur report, maintaining that they have always encouraged individuals who work closely with Biden to refute false narratives about his mental fitness. Despite efforts to debunk the report, concerns about Biden’s age persist among voters, overshadowing his accomplishments in office. Polling indicates that age remains a significant obstacle to Biden’s reelection, with Republicans capitalizing on Hur’s conclusions to portray Biden as diminished.
While Biden’s age is evident to many, opinions vary regarding his capabilities. Some describe him as lucid but frail, while others question whether he is truly in charge of his administration. Nevertheless, allies like Senator Amy Klobuchar defend Biden’s ability to lead, citing his focus and recall during meetings. As the age issue continues to dominate discussions about Biden’s candidacy, supporters suggest reframing it as a testament to his accomplishments and effectiveness in office. Rev. Al Sharpton proposes embracing Biden’s age as a strength, positioning him as an experienced leader compared to his opponent.
