Biden president at 78.

[mikkyr]

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.

I’m quite happy if he were to step down not yet but later in the term I don’t think he needs to but I very much doubt he shall run for a second term

But Kamala Harris will have to move more to the centre before running for President (which we shall see her doing)

I personally think he looks extremely tired and worn out. I can't see him being president for the next full four years.

flaviaritt Because being black and a woman I know many people hate to see us progressing or in any kind of power.

I anticipate Biden will not run for a second term but will support Kamala Harris running for president. After the absolute shitshow that was Trump, a president who can hit the ground running is needed. Biden had essentially done it all before as a two term VP. He’s been in the situation room, he’s spoken to all the top people and he was close to Obama so he knows what the job entails. He has a ton to do. Think about even how Trump rolled back environmental protections. Biden will know ok there was a 20 person White House team working that before let’s get them back. The pandemic preparedness plan we did where is it get it actioned now. Not how many were there before, why did Trump remove them what should we do. He should be quick and decisive at ‘righting the ship’ after Trump and can then get on with dealing with the huge issues of covid environment economy that face him.

Fil is 75 ish and so so full of life still, he could definitely be PM (I.e. an afternoon walk could be a causal 10 mile jaunt, he leads lectures on x, has hugely busy days sitting on various committees) although it does vary as my dad is younger but couldn't do what he could

I don't think Biden will Chose a second term though and wouldn't mind a president Harris!

Because being black and a woman I know many people hate to see us progressing or in any kind of power.

I do realise that. But in my case I am simply concerned about his age.

@DickBastardly

I personally think he looks extremely tired and worn out. I can't see him being president for the next full four years.

I personally think he looks great. I'm knackered at mid 50s, God knows how he does it.

He's younger than the Queen.

He is 4 years older than Trump and in much better shape. If Biden's age is a problem so is Trump's. It's not like Trump is a fit 40 year old doing decathlon as an alternative. House majority leader Nancy Pelosi is 80 and doing just fine - as are many other politicians.

I really hate the faux concern about Biden's age. It's just a dig and insinuation of him not being capable dressed up as "concern"

The queen is 94, She’s doing ok!

He has a pulse
He's not Trump

What's there to dislike? 😄

flaviaritt It's a good job I didn't say everyone then isn't it

I do know what you mean OP, it's really very old when you consider the energy requirements of the job. I'm just so pleased that there will be someone appropriate in charge again soon though, anyone with half a set of wits from either party would have been an improvement on Trump. It's notable that Mitt Romney has had to step up to be the Republican adult for commentary because still nobody can get Trump to behave like an adult for the basic graceful handover. For Democrats I'd actually have preferred Elizabeth Warren, though she isn't young herself at (quick Google) 71. Kamala Harris would be good too though, so it's great that she's VP and hopefully will get the next term.

He came out of retirement because America needed him.

I really hate the faux concern about Biden's age. It's just a dig and insinuation of him not being capable dressed up as "concern"

It’s not insinuated. I literally doubt his capacity.

@mikkyr

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.

In Asia it’s common for presidents to be this old - they’re still running around giving speeches and travelling. Biden is rich and healthy and will probably be able to serve out his terms.

I think if he’s wants to he should be allowed to. I don’t think age should be a barrier in life.

@flaviaritt

Here’s what I don’t understand - Donald Trump is only a few years younger: why not the fuss about his age?

There was plenty of fuss about his age. Remember when he had to prove he could drink a glass of water? When he slipped down the ramp?

But it didn’t seems to be an issue in this election?

@PurpleFlower1983

The needed a strong candidate - the older, sane, decent, kind looking, dependable, white man was absolutely the best option to compete with Trump’s loyal fan base, of which there are many. Harris will be an excellent standby but there is no way she would have been voted in if she was running.

Agree!

But it didn’t seems to be an issue in this election?

Presumably because it would only draw attention to Biden being even older?

I hope that Biden makes it to the end of his term but I would be surprised if he does.

It was ridiculous watching two elderly men compete for one of the most fast-paced long hours jobs in the world. Particularly as both parties had some great younger candidates available. There should be an age limit, it’s become ‘whoever has stacked up the most political favours’ gets selected as candidate and that is biased towards the very old.

And it is not ‘ageist’ to recognise that mental and physical abilities fade as we get very old. I watched all of my grandparents fade and I see it in the local elderly. It’s just what happens.

I am quite excited about the prospect of Harris taking over mid term though. I think she’d be great.

I think the electoral system in the US is broken when your 2 options are Trump and Biden. Can they really be the 2 best people that could leave the country? Trump's failings are obvious, Biden is better but tbh not much better. He looks old, ill and tired. I'd be surprised if he lasts the full 4 years. Kamala Harris is very left wing so I'm not sure how that will pan out when inevitably she has to take over.

@WaterOffADucksCrack

I think many people worrying about Biden's age are really concerned about a black female taking over if something happens to him.

My grandad was mentally alert and sprightly right up until his 90s. Then his age caught up with him. Even then, he’s not your regular 93 year old and he’s still bright, mischievous and able to potter about without assistance.

Being old doesn’t automatically mean your are senile and decrepit. He might only want to do one term but that’s entirely his choice.

It isnt ageist to say that someone in their late 70s isn't compus mentus enough to be in that position.

Yes it is. Oh and it's compos mentis