Biden confronts age in pitch for 2024 presidency
Misty Severi
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President Joe Biden pushed his experience in politics and “wisdom” as part of his credentials to win reelection next year despite being the oldest president in U.S. history. His comments came in an interview with MSNBC on Friday night.
During his first televised interview since announcing his bid for the presidency, Biden attempted to reassure voters that he was still capable of being the president. He cited his wisdom, experience, and honor. Biden is 80 and would be 86 by the time he left office if reelected.
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The president’s age is considered one of his biggest hurdles in seeking reelection in 2024, but Biden dismissed such concerns, arguing that he has acquired much knowledge and wisdom over the years.
“There is not a Fortune 500 company in the world that is looking to hire a CEO in his 80s,” MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle told Biden on Friday. “So what makes an 82-year-old Joe Biden the best man for the most important job in the world?”
“Because I have acquired a hell of a lot of wisdom,” Biden said. “I know more than the vast majority of people. I’m more experienced than anyone who has ever run for the office, and I think I have proven myself to be honorable and also effective.”
Biden’s experience for the job next year includes four years in the Oval Office, eight years as Barack Obama’s vice president, and more than 35 years as a senator from Delaware. Biden announced he was running for reelection last month.
Other topics in the interview included Congress’s effectiveness with its division between a Republican-dominated House and Democratic Senate, the border, and the investigation of Hunter Biden. The president noted that he had faith in his son, even as federal prosecutors near a decision on whether to charge him with tax and firearms violations.
“First of all, my son has done nothing wrong. I trust him. I have faith in him,” Biden said. “[The investigation] impacts my presidency by making me feel proud of him.”
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Biden also noted that he believes House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is an “honest man,” but he said the speaker was put in a difficult position because he “just about sold away everything to MAGA Republicans.” McCarthy ended up needing to compromise with far-right lawmakers to be elected speaker after he failed multiple times to secure the position.
The president’s comments come ahead of a meeting with McCarthy next Tuesday that will include Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) at the White House.