NEW YORK (Fwrd Axis) — President Joe Biden got candid about his age and slammed his predecessor and possible 2024 opponent, Donald Trump, at a fundraiser in New York on Monday.
With concerns swirling around his age, Biden got candid and made clear why he is seeking a second term.
“A lot of people seem focused on my age,” Biden said. “I get it. Believe me, I know it more than anyone. He added his age provided him with the experience and he “knew what to do” during the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and with threats to democracy.
“That’s why I’m running,” he said.
Biden’s comments come amid concerns from voters surrounding his age ahead of the 2024 election. Nearly three-quarters of the public think Biden is too old to effectively serve as President of the United States.
When voters were asked what first comes to mind when Biden’s name is mentioned, 26% of all adults cited his age, and 15% mentioned words associated with being slow and confused.
Among Democrats, 77% say they will at least probably vote for him if he is the Democratic party’s nominee, although only 28% say they definitely will.
Biden also took the moment to slam Trump and said democracy is at stake in the upcoming election, given the former president’s comments since launching his third bid for the White House.
“I’m running because democracy is at stake, because [in] 2024 democracy is on the ballot once again,” Biden said. And let there be no question: Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans are determined to destroy American democracy. And I will always defend, protect, and fight for our democracy.”
“I will not side with dictators like Putin,” he continued. “Maybe Trump and his MAGA friends can bow down but I won’t.”
The President’s comments are some of the strongest yet in rebuke of the Republican frontrunner.
Biden is set to speak at the address the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday.
