Media questions Biden 2024 run as Democrats distance themselves from president
Media speculation about Biden's ability to run in 2024 mirrors Democrats who have expressed concern over his age and low approval numbers.
Former adviser to President Barack Obama David Axelrod told the New York Times that the midterm elections gave President Biden "a little giddyup in his step" but that his age was likely still a factor.
"If he were 60 and not 80, there would be absolutely no doubt," Axelrod told the Times after noting the midterm elections gave the president a bit of a boost.
Democratic National Committee member Shelia Huggins also expressed concern for the president's age but praised Biden's record.
"I just still have some concerns about him running again. Part of it does have to do with his age," she told the outlet.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on what he calls the "continued battle for the soul of the nation" at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Sept. 1, 2022. (Reuters/Jonathan Ernst TPX Images of the Day/File)
Democratic strategist Tyler Jones told the Times that Biden's age in his position was "rare" and that it would be "counterproductive and foolish" to not consider the negative and positives of a Biden candidacy in 2024.
"Most people in this country don’t know many 80-year-olds that can run the entire country," he told the outlet. "That’s not to say that they don’t exist, and it’s not to say that he can’t do it, but it is a very rare thing. And so the burden, unlike most presidents, the burden is on Biden to show the country that he can not just win in ’24, but lead for the next four years."
Biden turned 80 in November, making him the first president to celebrate his 80th birthday while in office.
Axelrod and Huggins both expressed concern over Biden's age ahead of a potential 2024 re-election bid in June.
David Axelrod introduces South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg at the University of Chicago on Feb. 13, 2019, in Chicago. (Joshua Lott/AFP via Getty Images)
"The presidency is a monstrously taxing job, and the stark reality is the president would be closer to 90 than 80 at the end of a second term, and that would be a major issue," Axelrod told the New York Times in June.
"Democrats need fresh, bold leadership for the 2024 presidential race. That can’t be Biden," Huggins previously told the outlet.
President Joe Biden departs from Holy Spirit Catholic Church on St. Johns Island, South Carolina, Aug. 13, 2022. (Reuters/Joshua Roberts)
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Biden told MSNBC's Jonathan Capehart at the end of October that concerns about his age heading into the 2024 presidential election were "legitimate."
"It could be, I am a great respecter of fate. I could get a disease tomorrow, drop dead tomorrow," Biden said. "In terms of my energy level, in terms of how much I am able to do, I think people should look and see, does he still have the same passion for what he is doing? If they think I do, then it is fine. If not, they should vote against me."
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