President Joe Biden’s defenders are downplaying concerns about his age and poor poll numbers as he faces skepticism over his ability to serve a second term. A recent CNN poll showed that only 39% of those polled approved of the job Biden is doing as president, and about three-quarters of Americans are concerned that his age might negatively affect his physical and mental competence. Additionally, the poll revealed that there is no clear leader between Biden and former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
In response to the poll, Vice President Kamala Harris and several Democratic senators sought to downplay Biden’s low approval ratings. Harris stated that Biden is “going to be fine” and emphasized the transformative work accomplished under his administration. Senator Elizabeth Warren argued that Biden does not need to campaign aggressively because Trump’s unpopularity will have a significant impact. She also highlighted the importance of issues such as abortion and protecting democracy in boosting enthusiasm for Biden.
Despite the concerns over Biden’s age, his team and the White House have consistently reassured the public about his good health and fitness for office. They point to his intense travel schedule and recent trip to Kyiv as examples of his energy level and leadership. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented that no other president has been able to do the job like Biden.
However, some Democrats see the poll results as a warning sign for the White House. David Axelrod, a former top aide to Barack Obama, described the numbers as “not good” and expressed concerns about Biden’s age and the overall mood of the country. Kate Bedingfield, Biden’s communications director, acknowledged the challenge of avoiding the 2024 election becoming a referendum on his first term.
Some of Biden’s allies on Capitol Hill called on the White House to be more aggressive in promoting their accomplishments and messaging to the American people. Senator Richard Blumenthal argued for a more aggressive approach, while Senator Mark Kelly suggested focusing on highlighting the administration’s achievements on the economy and infrastructure.
With 14 months until the next election, Biden and his team face the task of reshaping public perception and maintaining support for his presidency.