President Joe Biden said Sunday that questions about his age are “totally legitimate” but are not a factor in his ability to carry out the duties of his office.
Host Jonathan Capehart of MSNBC’s “The Sunday Show” mentioned that some voters are increasingly doubtful about Biden’s ability to run for office, noting his own aunt isn’t sure whether the president should run in 2024. Biden said Capehart’s concerns are “totally legitimate” but she simply needs to look at his record.
“I think it’s a legitimate thing to be concerned about anyone’s age, including mine. I think that’s totally legitimate. But I think the best way to make the judgement is to, you know, watch me. Am I slowing up? Am I – don’t have the same pace?” Biden said, noting there could be other factors that would prevent him from running for reelection.
“It could be, I am a great respecter of fate. I could get a disease tomorrow, drop dead tomorrow. But in terms of my energy level, in terms of how much I am able to do, I think people should look and say, does he still have the same passion for what he is doing? If they think I do and I can do it, then it is fine. If not, they should vote against me.”
Biden then immediately tried to lay to rest doubts about his mental acuity. (RELATED: Renowned Brain Surgeon Ben Carson Analyzes Biden’s Mental Capacity)
“But Jonathan, right now, knock on wood, I don’t want to jinx myself. I am in good health. Everything physically about me is still functioning well, and mentally too … But I understand people wanna ask that question.”
Biden is set to celebrate his 80th birthday on Nov. 20 at the White House, with reports that staffers want to keep the celebration mild as to not draw attention to Biden’s age. Biden was the oldest president elected, being 77 years old on election day and 78 on inauguration day.
Republicans have been outspoken about Biden’s mental health.
“I think we’re all concerned for President Biden’s mental health,” Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall said.
One of Biden’s recent gaffes occurred while speaking in late September when he asked whether deceased Congresswoman Jackie Walorski was in attendance.
“Jackie, are you here? Where’s Jackie? She must not be here,” Biden said.
Walorski was killed in a car crash Aug. 3.