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Original poster

Biden president at 78.

408 replies

mikkyr · 08/11/2020 04:10

I just don’t really understand... 78? He will be 82 at the end of his term. They’ve made such a big deal about Trump being one of very few presidents who failed to secure a 2nd term so will Biden run again at 82? And then we have a 86 year old US president at the end of that term?

Is the consensus that Biden won’t see out this term and hand over to Harris?

I recall my grandparents needing 2 days of recovery after their UK-SA air travel at a younger age and there is no jet lag to factor in.
How is this guy going to cope? And quite honestly why does someone who should be enjoying their retirement have any desire to be president. I get these men live off power but why do voters think this is reasonable.

OP posts:
EdithWeston · 08/11/2020 08:11

The Queen and Charles knight people and open new buildings. Not the same

President also does the parLlel - presents medals and opens things

In neither case is that a fair description of the full range if duties and activities; let alone a description of the purpose of a Head of State

flaviaritt · 08/11/2020 08:12

In neither case is that a fair description of the full range if duties and activities; let alone a description of the purpose of a Head of State

We cannot equate the role of the US President with that of the Queen. They are worlds apart.

pinkearedcow · 08/11/2020 08:13

Wasn't the Queen still zipping around the world at Joe's age?

Joe is rich, that might not buy you health but it does buy you advantages that contribute to good health as you age.

I'm just glad the Orange Fuckwit has gone.

HazeyJaneII · 08/11/2020 08:14

...sexiest trump is better...
Cracking spelling mistake there.

ItchyMcItcherson · 08/11/2020 08:15

Seriously. People need to rethink. The idea of retiring at 65 just isn't feasible for most anymore, not when living until 100 or older is going to become normal.

flaviaritt · 08/11/2020 08:17

The idea of retiring at 65 just isn't feasible for most anymore, not when living until 100 or older is going to become normal.

But Biden clearly isn’t at the height of his powers anymore at 78. He forgets things. He seems confused at times. Being elderly for longer doesn’t seem to have made us less vulnerable to the effects of age, particularly cognitive decline.

pinkearedcow · 08/11/2020 08:18

@silentpool

They were both too old and Biden might just have been the lesser of the two evils for most people. My suspicion is that they knew they wouldn't be able to elect a woman and they've done it by default now. Biden will not last a full term. The worry for me will be the replacement VP if that happens. The voters may really end up with someone they would never have voted for.
Why would people have not voted for her @silentpool? Do you mean because of her being a woman of colour or because of something else? Is she too left wing for the US?
LuaDipa · 08/11/2020 08:19

I think that the idea that someone reaches a certain age and becomes incapable is ludicrous. It very much depends on the individual. Biden has clearly looked after himself and is in good health and as pp have said, Trump is only 4 years behind him. Age and wisdom can be a bonus, it shouldn’t be seen as a negative.

ItchyMcItcherson · 08/11/2020 08:19

But Biden clearly isn’t at the height of his powers anymore at 78. He forgets things. He seems confused at times.

He has a stutter. It's common to trip over words and forget things when you have a stutter. He's done it since he was young.

EdithWeston · 08/11/2020 08:20

We cannot equate the role of the US President with that of the Queen. They are worlds apart

Yes, geographically!

The Queen isn't just someone in a nice hat. Her constitutional role is apolitical, but it's real. And of course she's been on the world stage for close to 70 years. Presidents have nothing on her!

ItchyMcItcherson · 08/11/2020 08:21

I mean if forgetting things and getting confused is a sign he can't cope with the presidency, I'd definitely better never be a politician. I'm 32.

Mosschopz · 08/11/2020 08:21

With your incredulity at his age, you’re buying into the propaganda from the other side. Clearly he’ll receive lots of help - probably more than most aides give a national leader - and what’s wrong with that? I find it rather amazing actually.

ukgift2016 · 08/11/2020 08:21

There has obviously been a decline in Joe cognitive abilities. I think the US media agrees, his choice for VP is extremely important considering his age.

I wouldn't be surprise if Harris steps in.

UntamedWisteria · 08/11/2020 08:22

OP why don't you read about Biden's track record?

He's been committed to public service for over 50 years.

he got elected because he brings people together, rather than dividing them like Trump does.

I don't think he's doing it for the power (unlike Trump), but a sense of needing to serve his people.

Yes, he is old - but his time has come - and it's ageist to assume that that makes him unfit for office.

flaviaritt · 08/11/2020 08:22

He has a stutter. It's common to trip over words and forget things when you have a stutter. He's done it since he was young.

I’m not talking about his stutter. The other day he introduced one of his granddaughters as her dead father, Beau.

flaviaritt · 08/11/2020 08:23

The Queen isn't just someone in a nice hat. Her constitutional role is apolitical, but it's real. And of course she's been on the world stage for close to 70 years. Presidents have nothing on her!

The roles are not comparable. The Queen has no responsibility for policy decisions in the UK. She likely works a couple of hours a day (thank god - she’s in her mid 90s) and is effectively retired. This is a silly conversation.

Yourpartjewishfriend · 08/11/2020 08:24

As others have said look at the Queen or Attenborough.
I worked in a job where I spent a day with the Queen. She had a hectic schedule, speeches, meet and greets... on her feet and talking all day. She was still very capable.
If in good health and they kept fit, mentally and physically, no reason why you can't be incredibly effective. And he has all that life experience.

pinkearedcow · 08/11/2020 08:24

Did you see what he said to the BBC about being Irish? That was a pretty sharp off the cuff response imo.

UntamedWisteria · 08/11/2020 08:24

And there are quite a few older, experienced politicians in US politics - Nancy Pelosi is even older at 80.

And she's been pretty effective.

Polishedandbatty · 08/11/2020 08:25

I’m not talking about his stutter. The other day he introduced one of his granddaughters as her dead father, Beau.

That kind of thing is often stutter related. I do similar.

flaviaritt · 08/11/2020 08:26

Polishedandbatty

It is also (sadly) often related to cognitive decline.

motherrunner · 08/11/2020 08:27

@flaviaritt

He has a stutter. It's common to trip over words and forget things when you have a stutter. He's done it since he was young.

I’m not talking about his stutter. The other day he introduced one of his granddaughters as her dead father, Beau.

In defence of Biden, I too mix up words and I’ve been a teacher for 20 years!

The reason I do is not because I’m confused, I’m actually very intelligent. I just have a million and one thoughts racing in my kind before my mouth can catch up!

switswoo81 · 08/11/2020 08:28

Our Irish president will be 80 in April. Now the role is different but still he's a bit of a legend
I think American s voted for him andKamala Harris.
After the past 4 years and the fact 70 million still voted for Trump and his policies a wise experienced statesman is needed to heal rifts.

motherrunner · 08/11/2020 08:28

In my mind - seems like my typing in just like my mouth!

flaviaritt · 08/11/2020 08:29

The reason I do is not because I’m confused, I’m actually very intelligent. I just have a million and one thoughts racing in my kind before my mouth can catch up!

And with all due respect, you teach kids and can easily correct your mistakes. You don’t have the nuclear codes.

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