Barry Ellsworth
24 October 2022•Update: 25 October 2022
TRENTON, Canada
While it is "totally legitimate" for people to question his age and health, US President Joe Biden said he is capable of a second term in office.
Already the oldest person to serve as Commander-in-Chief -- he turns 80 on Nov. 20 -- Biden would be 82 on Inauguration Day (January 2025) if re-elected in 2024. While he has not officially confirmed he will run again, Biden has repeatedly stated his desire to seek re-election.
When asked on MSNBC during an interview Sunday about his age and doubts from supporters, Biden said voters should study his behavior and make up their minds.
"I think it’s a legitimate thing to be concerned about anyone’s age, including mine," Biden said. "That’s totally legitimate. But I think the best way to make the judgment is to, you know, watch me. Am I slowing up? Am I — don’t have the same pace?"
The question comes as the all-important midterm elections loom, Nov. 8.
A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found only about 5-in-10 Democrats want Biden to seek re-election, while 6-in-10 Republicans wish Trump would run again, CTV News reported.
During the interview Sunday, Biden was asked if wife Jill Biden would support him seeking a second-term.
Biden hesitated and looked down, and the interviewer repeated the question, causing some to question his competency.
Still, in the time leading up to his 80th birthday, Biden underwent a host of medical examinations and in a six-page report, his primary care physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor reported his patient was "health, vigorous and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency," CTV News reported.
