In a candid interview with MSNBC’s Alex Wagner, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the age factor is a significant topic for presidential candidates, including the current President Joe Biden. During the conversation, Clinton recognized the concerns about age as applicable not only to Biden but also to his predecessor Donald Trump, noting the minor age difference between them.
“I talked to people in the White House all the time, and you know, they know it’s an issue, but as I like to say, ‘look, it’s a legitimate issue,’” Clinton said. “It’s a legitimate issue for [ex-President Donald] Trump who’s only three years younger, right? So it’s an issue.”
The issue of age, Clinton pointed out, might pose challenges in engaging with younger constituents. Despite this, she advocated for President Biden to emphasize his vast experience as a benefit, underscoring his accumulated wisdom and character acquired through a lifetime of public service and personal trials.
A recent opinion poll conducted by NBC News indicates that a noticeable majority of participants—76 percent—are apprehensive about President Biden’s mental competence for possibly serving another term. The President, who is currently 81, has faced scrutiny over his fitness for office.
A special counsel’s report released on Thursday raised questions concerning President Biden’s cognitive health, suggesting that he may not be in a position to face prosecution over charges related to possessing classified documents due to perceived senility. The report included observations about Biden’s recollection of events during his vice presidency and details related to the death of his son Beau Biden.
However, President Biden has firmly contested doubts about his mental sharpness. At an impromptu press conference, he confidently affirmed his memory capabilities and the command of his duties. An inadvertent mix-up occurred when he mistakenly identified Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as Mexico’s president, which added to the dialogue around Biden’s mental acuity.
Despite these discussions, Clinton expressed support for President Biden, advocating his re-election on the strength of his performance in office so far. She emphasized his active campaign efforts and encouraged his continued outreach across the United States.
Clinton’s comments arrive at a crucial moment as the nation begins to look towards the next presidential election, raising the ever-pertinent question of how factors such as age and experience influence both the viability of candidates and the choices of voters.