Biden's Peers Say "80... It's a Terrible Age"

Voters in Their 80s Express Concerns About Biden's 'Old Age'
However, They Respond "He Can Still Perform Public Duties"
"One Can Remain Healthy Even When Older"

U.S. President Joe Biden, who has expressed his intention to seek re-election, is 80 years old this year. He will turn 86 by the time his second term ends. Some American voters cite his age as a concern, raising questions about his health, stamina, and cognitive abilities.

Amid this, the U.S. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) conducted interviews with voters who are the same age as President Biden, 80 years old. The main question was whether they believed someone at 80 could perform the duties of the presidency. While the respondents acknowledged that 80 is considered 'elderly,' they answered that it does not necessarily hinder one from holding public office.

President Joe Biden of the United States
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 12th (local time), WSJ interviewed 12 elderly Americans born on November 20, 1942?the exact same day as President Biden.

The voters who participated in the interview accepted that both they and Biden are 'elderly.' However, they emphasized that elderly people could still possess the capability to perform duties suitable for public office, such as the presidency.

Louise Smoczy?ski, a woman living in Wisconsin, told WSJ, "Many of my friends have already passed away or developed dementia," adding, "Being 80 definitely seems dreadful."

Smoczy?ski herself was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. She said, "Eighty is an age where you start going downhill," but also added, "Thanks to technological advancements, older Americans can still live healthily. I think 80 today is equivalent to 60 in the past."

Earl Evans, an 80-year-old voter residing in Florida, said, "We have all passed our prime by the time we reach our 80s. That is certain," but emphasized, "We can still maintain sharp senses."

U.S. President Joe Biden (left) and First Lady Jill Biden visited the wildfire-affected area in Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii, on the 21st of last month (local time) to offer their blessings. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

He questioned, "Even the smartest person in the world will eventually turn 80. Wouldn't it be shameful if they couldn't go to the White House just because they are old?"

However, Evans also claimed that President Biden's mental and physical health seems to be gradually deteriorating. He said he voted for former President Donald Trump in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Evans added, "I did not see a similar decline in former President Trump."

Meanwhile, concerns about President Biden's age are widespread among American voters. According to a poll released by WSJ on the 4th, 73% of respondents said, "He is too old to run for re-election." Among Democratic respondents, two-thirds also expressed concern about Biden's re-election bid.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.