More than half of Democrats concerned about Biden’s age: poll

by Miranda Nazzaro - 09/07/23 9:48 AM ET

President Joe Biden holds his face mask before he speaks in the State Dining Room, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

More than half of Democrats are “seriously concerned” about President Biden’s age negatively impacting a variety of factors, including his physical and mental competence and his ability to win the 2024 election, according to a new poll.

The CNN poll, released Thursday and conducted by SSRS, found 56 percent of Democrats — and 73 percent of Americans — are seriously concerned for Biden’s current level of physical and mental competence. About 60 percent of Democrats expressed concern about his ability to win the 2024 election if he clinches the Democratic nomination.

When it comes to his ability to serve a full second term, another 62 percent of Democrats and 76 percent of Americans said they are seriously concerned.

Biden has faced criticism over his age since his 2020 campaign, which has continued throughout his time in the White House. At 80, Biden is oldest U.S president.

If reelected in 2024, he would be 86 at the end of his second term.

Another recent poll found that 77 percent of Americans surveyed — including 69 percent of Democrats — think he is too old for a second term.

A Wall Street Journal poll published earlier this week also found 73 percent of Americans and roughly two-thirds of Democrats said the phrase “too old to run for president” captures Biden at least “somewhat well.”

The president has argued it is fair for voters to discuss his age, but he said they should judge him on his ability to perform the job.

Earlier this week, Vice President Harris brushed aside these concerns, claiming she has seen firsthand his ability to handle the demands of the job.

“I see him every day,” she told The Associated Press in an interview in Indonesia. “A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can to make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people have played out.”

Harris said she has the same understanding as every vice president that they may have to take over the job of being president when they are sworn in, but she emphasized Biden is “going to be fine” and does not expect that to happen.

The CNN Poll was conducted by SSRS from Aug. 25-31 among a random national sample of 1,503 adults. The poll had a margin of sampling error of 3.5 points.