President Joe Biden, aged 80, has joked that he is at the end of his career and deserves a second term in office. The public remains wary about Biden's capacity to fulfill his presidential duties effectively. In last year's midterm elections, a majority of voters expressed doubts about his mental capability to serve as president. Despite these concerns, an Associated Press poll showed that 78% of Democrats who approve of Biden's performance and want him to run for re-election are likely to back him.
During his second State of the Union address, President Biden remarked that he was not new to the White House and alluded to President Eisenhower addressing the first class of the Air Force Academy over six decades ago – jokingly clarifying that he wasn't present during that time.
Mike Donilon, the administration’s top strategist who has been working closely with President Biden for more than 40 years stated: "Biden's off-script moments when asked about his age have made a difference." According to Donilon, this durability has become one of President Biden’s defining traits - inseparable from his ability to exceed expectations.
With plans for another term in office already underway, President Joe Biden aims at stoking fears surrounding MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters while projecting confidence in overcoming challenges during a possible second term.
As both major party candidates approach their twilight years - with former Republican rival Donald Trump being only four years younger than Joe Biden - questions regarding age have become increasingly relevant. Nevertheless, recent polls paint an uncertain picture for both parties; according-to-an-ABC-News-and-Washington-Post-poll,-44%-of-voters-would-"definitely"-or-"probably"-vote-for-Trump-compared-with-38%-for-President-Biden.
Simultaneously grappling with domestic turmoil such as gun violence and potential debt default, the United States is also looking outward for reassurance. A recent landmark visit to South Korea by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida showcased cooperation on high-tech goods and renewed commitment between nations vital to US security policies.
The coming months will reveal whether President Biden's off-script humor and durability can translate into continued support from the public as he seeks a second term in office amidst ongoing domestic challenges and geopolitical tensions.