FILE - President Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pa., Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Voters in more than 50 countries that are home to half the world’s population are eligible to vote in elections in 2024. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) – First lady Jill Biden says her husband’s age is an “asset,” as President Joe Biden – at 81 already the oldest American leader in history – faces persistent questions from voters about his decision to seek another term.
In an interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” released Thursday, Jill Biden responded to those concerned the Democratic president is too old, saying, “I say his age is an asset.”
“He has wisdom. He has experience,” she continued. “He knows every leader on the world stage. He’s lived history. He knows history. He’s thoughtful in his decisions. He is the right man or the right person for the job at this moment in history.”
Joe Biden for months has used humor to try to defuse the issue – even as polls suggest it’s no laughing matter. An August poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 77% of U.S. adults, including 69% of Democrats, viewed Biden as too old to be effective for four more years.
