NEW DELHI: Former First Lady Hillary Clinton said that she considers President Biden’s age to be a legitimate campaign issue. Despite facing criticism over a special counsel’s report accusing him of being senile, Clinton believes that Biden’s age is a valid concern.
In an interview with MSNBC, Clinton acknowledged that the White House is aware of this issue and emphasized that it is also relevant for former President Donald Trump, who is only three years younger than Biden.
The former Democratic presidential nominee and secretary of state further suggested that both Biden and Trump may struggle to connect with younger voters, but Biden should emphasize his experience as a leader.
“I think Biden also should lean into the fact that he’s experienced and that experience is not just in the political arena,” she said. “It’s like the stuff of human experience, character, wisdom.
A recent NBC News poll revealed that 76% of respondents expressed concerns about Biden’s mental fitness for a second term.
The special counsel’s report, released by Robert Hur, assessed Biden as too senile to be prosecuted for his wrongful retention of classified documents.
The report also noted Biden’s failure to remember key events during interviews.
President Biden, however, lashed out at the description of his mental acuity at a rapidly arranged press conference later Thursday, insisting, “My memory is fine!” and “I know what the hell I’m doing!”
Clinton said that while age might be an issue, it’s more important that voters elect the best candidate – and that she’s all in on Biden.
“I’m for Joe Biden for reelection on the merits because I think he’s done a really good job as president,” Clinton said. “So, I think he should continue to get out and campaign. He’s been campaigning pretty vigorously across the country.