Former Obama adviser David Axelrod has raised a “major” red flag about President Joe Biden’s reelection hopes in 2024, citing the commander in chief’s old age. His remarks were included in a New York Times piece published on Saturday that looked into “whispers” among Democrats concerned about Biden’s leadership ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, in which Republicans are largely anticipated to retake control of at least one chamber of Congress.
Axelrod stated, “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.” Biden, who is 79 years old, is the oldest president in history. When Biden took the oath of office, he was older than Ronald Reagan, the second-oldest serving president in history, who retired at the age of 77. If inaugurated for a second time, Biden would be 82 years old.
In December, Biden claimed he would run for a second term if he were in good health. He said, “I’m a great respecter of fate. Fate has intervened in my life many, many times. If I’m in the health I’m in now, if I’m in good health, then, in fact, I would run again.”
Younger politicians may queue up to run for the Democratic Party candidacy if Biden declines to run for a second term. Former competitors in 2020 who joined Biden’s cabinet, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, 57, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, 40, might be among them. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), two high-profile, left-wing senators who are 80 and 72 years old, respectively, have fuelled presidential speculation among the elder set, as Biden’s poll ratings have plummeted. Former President Donald Trump, who has floated the idea of running in 2024, is 75 years old and celebrating his birthday next week.
Biden’s detractors frequently doubt his physical stamina and mental acumen, citing many gaffes that aides frequently clean up. However, Axelrod, who was a major strategist for Barack Obama’s two victorious presidential campaigns, claims age has been a distraction from Biden’s successes.
