Concerns About Biden’s Age Heat Up Ahead of 2024 Elections: Former Staffer Speaks Out
As the countdown to the November 2024 elections begins, the spotlight is firmly on former President Joe Biden, particularly regarding his age. At 81, Biden’s fitness for office has become a hot topic, with growing concerns about his cognitive abilities. Recently, Michael LaRosa, a former press secretary for First Lady Jill Biden, stirred the pot by claiming that Biden’s campaign has been “gaslighting” the public about these very concerns.
LaRosa, who served in the Biden administration from 2021 to 2022, didn’t hold back during a seminar at the Science Institute at American University. He pointed out that the campaign’s dismissal of polling data reflecting public apprehensions about Biden’s age was misleading. “There are some things that are true, I mean, like the gaslighting. There was a lot of denial of the polling,” he stated, as reported by The Hill. This admission adds a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Biden’s candidacy, suggesting that even those within his inner circle recognize the elephant in the room.
Aides on High Alert
The concern over Biden’s age isn’t just a talking point for critics; it’s a reality that his aides are acutely aware of. According to a report from the New York Post, aides are “scared to death” of allowing Biden to engage in off-the-cuff interviews, fearing that unscripted moments could highlight his age-related vulnerabilities. This anxiety underscores the delicate balancing act the Biden campaign must perform as they navigate the treacherous waters of public perception.
LaRosa also touched on the campaign’s messaging strategy, which has sought to downplay the significance of polling that indicates widespread voter concern about Biden’s mental acuity. He remarked, “Joe Biden’s age doesn’t mean anything,” a sentiment that seems to clash with the reality reflected in the polls. While he acknowledged that every politician tries to manage perceptions about age, he also admitted that the Biden team was fully aware of the issue from day one.
Polling Data Tells a Story
As the election approaches, various media outlets have consistently reported that many voters harbor doubts about Biden’s mental fitness for another term. Despite the White House’s insistence that Biden is in good health, the numbers tell a different story. Polls have shown that concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities are notably higher than those regarding former President Donald Trump, even though some surveys have raised questions about Trump’s mental fitness as well.
The mounting pressure surrounding Biden’s age and mental acuity has led to speculation about his future in the race. Reports suggest that these concerns, coupled with disappointing polling numbers, may ultimately push Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race altogether. If that happens, he could endorse his then-vice president, Kamala Harris, as his successor, paving the way for a new chapter in the Democratic Party.
Looking Ahead
As the election nears, the conversation about Biden’s age and cognitive fitness is unlikely to fade. With voices from within his own camp raising alarms, it’s clear that the Biden campaign faces a significant challenge in addressing these concerns head-on. Whether Biden can successfully navigate this turbulent landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the issue of age will continue to be a focal point in the upcoming election cycle.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, the question lingers—can Biden reassure the public of his capability to lead, or will the concerns about his age overshadow his campaign? Only time will tell.
