The approaching election presents a juxtaposition, with voters viewing it as a contest between two candidates well beyond the standard retirement age. The next president will grapple with global conflicts, domestic emergencies, and a strained Congress…reports Asian Lite News
A recent poll indicates a growing skepticism among U.S. adults regarding President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities, with approximately six in ten expressing doubts about his capacity to effectively serve as president. This sentiment has transformed his upcoming State of the Union address into a critical evaluation for a potential second term.
The survey, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, reveals a slight increase in concerns about Biden’s mental capability since January 2022. Concurrently, nearly six in ten respondents also lack confidence in the mental acuity of former President Donald Trump, the 77-year-old Republican front-runner.
The approaching election presents a juxtaposition, with voters viewing it as a contest between two candidates well beyond the standard retirement age. The next president will grapple with global conflicts, domestic emergencies, and a strained Congress.
In his State of the Union address, scheduled for Thursday, Biden is expected to address these challenges and more, seeking to persuade Americans that he merits another term. However, entering this significant event, only 38% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s presidential performance, while 61% disapprove. Discontent spans various issues, including the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
Despite some approval for his handling of healthcare, climate change, and other issues, satisfaction dips concerning immigration, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the economy—topics likely to feature prominently in his speech before Congress.
Moreover, a majority of Americans perceive the national economy as worse off under Biden’s leadership, though personal financial outlooks remain relatively positive. The survey also reveals deep concerns among respondents regarding the age and potential cognitive decline of the candidates, casting a shadow over the November election.
Last month, President Biden turned the tables on Trump when asked about the claims that he is too old to run for a second term, saying that “he’s about as old as I am,” ABC News reported.
US President Biden, while campaigning in New York, stopped by 30 Rockefeller to appear on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers.”
The president’s sit-down with the comic included questions about his age and his 2024 agenda versus that of former President Trump, the Republican front-runner for the nomination, reported ABC News.
“Some documents recently leaked, some classified documents–and this isn’t a gotcha show but I do want to ask about it–that says you are currently 81 years old,” Meyers said.
“Who the hell told you that?” Biden joked. “That’s classified.”
Turning to a more serious note, Meyers highlighted the fact that polls showed that voters are concerned about Biden’s age as he runs for a second term and asked how Biden plans to address that on the campaign trail.
“Number 1, you got to take a look at the other guy, he’s about as old as I am,” Biden said, hinting at Trump, who is 77.
“Number 2, it’s about how old your ideas are,” Biden added.
“Look, I mean, this is a guy who wants to take us back. He wants to take us back on Roe v. Wade. He wants to take us back on a whole range of issues that, for 50, 60 years, have been solid American positions,” he said.
“I think it’s about the future,” Biden said. “And everything, every single thing we’ve done, and I think we’ve got some good things done…they told us we couldn’t get them done because things were so divided,” he added.
The interview comes as Biden seeks to tamp down voter worries and Republican criticisms about his age and stamina by ramping up his appearances, as reported by ABC News.
Moreover, the choice of venue was also decided, targeting an important demographic: targeting, younger voters. (with input from agencies)