Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-California) defended President Joe Biden against concerns about his age as he pursues a second term in office, in an interview with the BBC’s “HARDtalk” broadcast Monday.
Biden would be 86 years old at the end of his second term if reelected — which has sparked concern from members of his own party and voters alike.
In a survey of registered voters conducted by The Wall Street Journal between Aug. 24 and Aug. 30, 60% of respondents said Biden is not mentally up to the job of president, and 73% said he is too old to run for office. stand for re-election. Only 47% of respondents said Trump, who is just three years younger than Biden, is too old to make a presidential bid.
Pelosi claims that even Democratic voters who expressed concerns about Biden’s age in the polls still support him.
“They’re not supporting someone else because Joe Biden is old,” she told the BBC’s Stephen Sackur.
Pelosi then listed some of Biden’s greatest strengths, noting that Democrats will have to work to more effectively communicate those qualities to the American people during his presidential campaign.
“Joe Biden is wise,” she said. “He has knowledge. He has a wonderful vision for America. He has knowledge for the issues, so judgment and wisdom. He has a strategic thinking ability to get things done. That is why his presidency has been so successful domestically.”
Biden appears to be embracing the concerns about his age, joking about it during a performance in Pennsylvania on Monday.
“You know, the only thing that comes with age is a little wisdom. I’ve been doing this longer than anyone else, and guess what? I will continue with it, with your help,” Biden said.
Pelosi expressed confidence that voters will send Biden back to the White House in November 2024.
“Fifteen months from now, you will see Joe Biden re-elected as president of the United States with great pride,” she said.
