Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says that President Joe Biden’s old age is a legitimate issue that voters need to consider in the 2024 presidential election.
During the Financial Times Weekend Festival in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Clinton was asked by editor Edward Luce about Biden’s mental wellbeing after the president was once again seen stumbling at the G7 Summit in Japan over the weekend.
“There was that heart-stopping moment when he almost fell over coming down the stairs a day or two ago,” Luce said. “He didn’t use a railing, and Jill wasn’t there with him.”
“Every time that happens, your heart is in your mouth because these things could be consequential. Is that a concern?” he asked.
Clinton then responded, “It’s a concern for anyone. We’ve had presidents who had fallen before who were a lot younger, and people didn’t go into heart palpitations.”
“But his age is an issue, and people have every right to consider it,” she added. “But, you know, he has this great saying – and I think he’s right – don’t judge him for running against the Almighty but against the alternative. I am of the camp that I think he’s determined to run; he has a good record that, three years ago, people would not have predicted would have gotten done.”
“He doesn’t get the credit yet for what is happening out in the country in terms of jobs and growth and planning for the future with CHIPS and other stuff,” Clinton continued. “So, I obviously hope he stays very focused and able to compete in the election because I think he can be re-elected, and that’s what we should all hope for.”
Officials continue to question Biden’s physical and mental wellness, especially after he announced his reelection campaign earlier this month.
Voters are also showing serious concerns for Biden’s age and health, as an October survey found that 64 percent of Americans, including 50 percent of Democrats, said they were “concerned” about the president’s mental health.
Biden became the oldest individual ever elected to serve in the White House, and he could break the record should he win again in 2024.
