Houston – The fact that US President Joe Biden is running for the second term in the presidential election is constantly being questioned. Even his party members suspect that age and physical infirmities will hold him back.In April 2023, President Biden officially announced his candidacy as the Democratic nominee. He is hoping to secure his second and final term as president in the 2024 elections. However, opinion polls show it was a decision that sparked speculation around the US.
Three-quarters of Americans, including Democratic supporters, express concern about his age and think a second chance at the White House could be a problem.
As it stands, if both front-runners secure their party’s nomination, the result would be a rematch between Biden and Trump. With Donald Trump’s controversies attracting considerable attention since his campaign announcement, it is important to examine some of the concerns surrounding Biden’s victory.
∙ Is it healthy for the second round?
Joe Biden has been dogged by health problems several times during his tenure. This adds to the concerns of his age. In June of last year, Biden also caused concern when he walked on stage while handing out diplomas at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony.
The 81-year-old president, who has been diagnosed with arthritis, has taken precautions to prevent tripping. His medical team includes physiotherapy sessions and tennis coaches. In addition to his health condition, he has been criticized on social media for his many vague speeches and verbal blunders.
In June 2023, the interpretation of the Ukraine war as the Iraq war that ended in 2011 also caused ridicule. In a discussion about Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said that Putin is “clearly losing the war in Iraq.” Some point out that this has confused journalists.
∙ ‘God Save the Queen’
In another incident, during a speech on gun control, Biden curiously ended the speech by saying ‘God save the Queen’. Given the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth, the question arose as to which Queen he was referring to. The White House later claimed he was addressing someone in the crowd.
Biden addressed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as ‘Mr President’ during the meeting, which raised laughter among the world leaders. There was a strange remark at a Vietnam press conference last September. “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to sleep,” Biden responded to a question about the Chinese premier. The jazz music started before the President finished his speech and was also stonewalling.
President Biden attributes these embarrassments to his speech impediment. But it is raising concerns about Biden among American voters. The President himself will throw issues at Donald Trump, who mocks his opponent at every opportunity.
∙ Can Joe Biden beat Donald Trump?
After his victories in the first primaries, Biden is expected to face Republican front-runner Donald Trump in the November election. A recent YouGov poll asked people to predict the outcome of the race between Biden and Trump, regardless of who they prefer. 44% said Trump would win, while 35% favored Biden. 21% responded that they do not know the answer.
However, when asked which candidate they actually supported, opinions were evenly split. 43% for both. The rest don’t know the answer. Although the exact outcome of the election later this year is uncertain, the Biden-Trump rematch is sure to be contentious. The world is watching to see if Biden wins or falls.