Biden’s advanced age makes him successful – top Democrat — RT World News

California Governor Gavin Newsom tried to allay fears that US President Joe Biden is too old to seek re-election by claiming that he is thriving because of his advanced years.

“I've seen him up close, I've seen him from afar, but that's my point: He's been so successful because of his age.” Newsom said Sunday in an interview with NBC News. “This is because of the wisdom and character that has developed over the years.”

At 81, Biden is the oldest president in US history, and would be 87 by the time he leaves the White House if he serves a full second term. Concerns about his cognitive acuity heightened earlier this month, when the US Department of Justice special prosecutor investigating the mishandling of classified documents by Biden said that although he had found evidence of criminal behavior, the jury would be reluctant to convict the president. Current as it comes across “A good-natured old man with a bad memory.”

An ABC News/Ipsos poll released on February 11 found that 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old to seek a second four-year term. Newsom, who has been accused of running a shadow presidential campaign if Biden drops his 2024 reelection bid, told NBC he was bored by such speculation.

“It's all empty chatter.” The 56-year-old governor said. “You know what? That's a side effect. I think what Democrats need to do is worry less, do more, keep over-performing like we've done, keep winning, make the case. It's a compelling conversation, frankly, that the other side wants us to have.” .

The president has had repeated mental lapses in recent weeks, including false claims that he spoke in 2021 with French and German leaders who died years earlier. At a White House news conference, where he angrily denied claims by Special Counsel Robert Hoare about his poor memory, Biden misidentified Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as the leader of Mexico. His verbal gaffes and mistakes have often been mocked by his opponents, including his main rival in the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump.

However, Newsom said Biden's job performance proves he is mentally fit for the job. “We've seen these bipartisan accomplishments because of his ability to understand, because of his leadership, so the opportunity to articulate that for another four years, what a gift to the American people.” He said. “And as a Democrat, what a gift it is for me to champion the cause of our party’s leader, Joe Biden.”

Asked whether it was irresponsible for Democrats to nominate Biden for a second term, Newsom said: “Responsible? I respect his record. I mean, what he did in three years was a masterclass.”