President Joe Biden's age and health have become focal points in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Amidst concerns about his ability to govern and falling popularity, particularly among younger voters, Biden's age is increasingly scrutinized.
Recent trends indicate a shift in young voters' sentiment. Biden, who previously enjoyed a comfortable lead over former President Trump among voters aged 18-29, now trails him. This demographic shift starkly contrasts Biden's earlier popularity, where he led by double digits.
The decline in approval ratings among young voters is a worrying sign for the Biden camp. In December 2023, polls showed that Trump had overtaken Biden by 6 points in this age group, a demographic that Biden once dominated. This shift signals a changing landscape in the political preferences of young Americans.
Biden's physical abilities have also come under scrutiny. The President, now 81, fell during a commencement speech at the Air Force Academy, raising concerns about his health. Despite these incidents, Biden reportedly insists to aides and friends that he feels much younger than his age, highlighting a potential disconnect between his perception and public concerns.
Biden's staff has made adjustments to his routine to accommodate his age. He now uses shorter stairs on Air Force One and often wears tennis shoes, changes that are likely aimed at reducing the risk of tripping and falls.
Public appearances have also been a source of concern. Recently, while hosting the NHL champion Golden Knights at the White House, Biden made confusing statements about the WNBA and Philadelphia Eagles, incidents that have added to the narrative of his declining acuity.
Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine compared Biden's situation to a family-run company being led by an aging patriarch, suggesting that a change in leadership might be necessary for the party's future. Levine's comments reflect a growing sentiment within the party that is concerned about the impact of Biden's age on the Democrats' prospects.
"Biden’s reluctance to acknowledge his physical limitations at age 81 is causing some tension on his team, as senior aides and First Lady Jill Biden push him to rest more and be vigilant about his health going into 2024," Axios reported.
Recent polling data further complicates Biden's position. A significant portion of Democrat primary voters, 54%, now prefer an alternative nominee for the 2024 presidential race. This figure is a substantial shift from earlier support levels, indicating a potential lack of confidence in Biden's candidacy among his own party's electorate.
The political landscape appears to be shifting under Biden's feet. His approval ratings among younger voters have plummeted, and his physical gaffes have not gone unnoticed. These factors, combined with the growing preference for a different Democrat nominee in 2024, paint a challenging picture for Biden's reelection campaign.
Media personalities have also weighed in on Biden's situation. Charlamagne tha God, host of The Breakfast Club, candidly expressed his views, suggesting that Biden should consider stepping aside for the country's benefit. Such public statements add to the narrative that Biden's age and declining popularity are becoming liabilities.
The Breakfast Club host Charlamagne tha God recently said:
"See, the facts are, Biden is not getting any younger. He’s not going to get any more popular, and he’s not getting a new running mate. So, please, Mr. President, give America the ultimate Christmas gift and step aside."
The situation surrounding Biden's age and health is a complex interplay of personal perception, public opinion, and the strategic calculations of the Democratic Party. As the 2024 campaign heats up, these factors will likely continue to influence the political discourse and decisions within the party.
