Former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile said Sunday that Democrats should be “concerned” ahead of the 2024 election in the wake of recent polling showing worries over President Biden’s age.
“I’m not sleeping at night thinking all is well, OK?” Brazile said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “I have nieces and nephews who say, ‘Well why should I vote for this guy? He’s a little old.’ I say, ‘Your papa was old too, and look what he did to help you.’ So I think the Democrats have to continue to make the case. Democrats should be concerned.”
Brazile argued Democrats need to run as if they are “10 points behind, not even, so that the enthusiasm can be lifted up.” She went on to tout the Biden administration’s “record of accomplishment” related to economic growth and investment in the American people.
Brazile’s comments follow a series of polls showing growing concern over Biden’s age. At 80, Biden is the oldest ever U.S. president. If reelected in 2024, he would be 86 at the end of his second term.
A CNN poll released last week showed that 56 percent of Democrats and 73 percent of Americans are seriously concerned for Biden’s current level of physical and mental competence, while around 60 percent of Democrats expressed concern about his ability to win the 2024 election if he clinches the party’s nomination.
With regards to his ability to serve a full second term, 62 percent of Democrats and 76 percent of Americans overall said they are seriously concerned, the poll found.
When asked about these poll numbers, Brazile said Biden’s age is going to be an “X factor” in his reelection, but she also pointed to his experience.
“Democrats also need to understand that Joe Biden has the experience to lead and he has the commitment to serve the American people,” Brazile said. “So why might be an X factor; there are other factors that will also come into consideration when we go to the polls some 420 days from now.”
A Wall Street Journal poll published last week also found 73 percent of American respondents and roughly two-thirds of Democrats said the phrase “too old for president” captures Biden at least “somewhat well.”
The president has said it is fair for voters to discuss his age but that they should judge him on his ability to perform the job.
In an interview last week, Vice President Harris said she is prepared to be president “if necessary,” but she brushed off concerns over Biden’s age.
“Yes I am, if necessary. But Joe Biden is going to be fine,” Harris said in an interview with CBS News’s Margaret Brennan. The vice president stressed that she works with Biden “every day” and lauded the administration’s work under his leadership.