Biden Aides Battle Media Over Age Narrative, Defend President's Performance

The White House is pushing back against the media’s unrelenting focus on President Joe Biden‘s age, seen as a significant hurdle for his re-election campaign.

What Happened: White House aides have taken their fight to social media to counter news and headlines that obsess over Biden’s age, The Hill reported.

This pushback encompasses a spectrum of media outlets, even those typically inclined toward the Democrats.

In reaction to an Axios article, Deputy Communications Director Herbie Ziskend posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting that both Biden and Trump were running “basement-esque campaigns” with scant public appearances.

Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton took issue with a CNN headline that dwelled on an abrupt conclusion to Biden’s press conference in Hanoi. Dalton underscored the president’s packed itinerary, which commenced in India with the G20 and culminated with a comprehensive press conference in Hanoi.

See Also: Pelosi To Run For Re-election To Thwart Potential Trump Return

White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt targeted a Daily Beast headline that highlighted Biden’s decision to retire after his press conference in Vietnam. LaBolt’s retort insinuated an unrealistic demand that Presidents should forgo rest.

Why It Matters: Recent national polls suggest that Biden’s age and potential for a second term remain topics of concern, with a sizable portion of Americans expressing serious doubts about Biden’s ability to complete a full second term due to his age.

In the face of these concerns, Biden has brushed aside these attacks. The president has urged voters to evaluate him based on his performance in office. In April, Biden addressed age-related concerns, stating that it was normal for people to question his age and that he respects them for “taking a hard look at it.”

A recent poll suggested that Biden’s age, coupled with negative opinions about his economic policies, could be significant roadblocks to his re-election. This age debate has also drawn in Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently brushed off age-related questions but affirmed her readiness to assume the presidency if needed.

Photo by Fotophoto on Shutterstock

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