Washington D.C., US – Concerns about President Joe Biden’s age have resurfaced after he made two gaffes in which he mistakenly identified deceased European leaders. Biden’s missteps come at a critical time as he prepares for the upcoming election campaign against his presumptive opponent, also of advanced age.
During a campaign fundraiser in New York, Biden reportedly referred to the former German chancellor Helmut Kohl, who passed away in 2017, as having spoken to him about European concerns. However, it was apparent that he meant Angela Merkel. Similarly, in Nevada, he seemingly confused François Mitterrand, the former French president who died in 1996, for France’s current president, Emmanuel Macron, while recounting an anecdote about the events of 6 January and European fears over them.
At 81, Biden is the oldest president to seek re-election in US history. Despite being physically fit and facing a demanding schedule, health concerns have become a persistent issue for many voters, including Democrats. A recent poll by NBC News showed that three-quarters of voters, including half of Democrats, reported having concerns about Biden’s mental and physical health.
This raises questions about Biden’s fitness for office, with Republicans and the right-wing media making a concerted effort to portray him as unfit for the role, highlighting every mistake he makes. However, it’s important to note that Biden has a long history of verbal gaffes and has also struggled with a stutter.
Notably, his likely opponent in the 2024 race, former President Donald Trump, who is also advanced in age at 77, has made similar mistakes on the campaign trail. Trump, like Biden, has faced criticism over his age, with former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley calling them both “grumpy old men” in a campaign ad.
The resurgence of concerns about Biden’s age and mental acuity could have a significant impact on the upcoming election, as voters weigh his ability to lead the country effectively. It remains to be seen how these concerns will play out in the lead-up to the election.