Biden’s humor attempts to divert age concerns
President Biden Uses Humor to Address Concerns About His Age
They say that humor can turn tragedy into something bearable. President Joe Biden seems to be taking this approach to avoid a potential tragedy by using jokes to address concerns about his age.
Biden, who is 81 years old, is using comedy as a defense mechanism during his high-stakes reelection campaign, which could potentially keep him in the White House until he turns 86.
During a recent press conference, when asked about the possibility of Governor Gavin Newsom becoming a backup candidate, Biden cleverly replied, “We’re looking at you” to the reporter, lightening the mood. Later that day, at a fundraiser in Los Angeles, he joked about being “40 times two,” showcasing his ability to laugh at himself.
While critics and Republicans often highlight Biden’s age and occasional memory lapses, the president takes a proactive approach by addressing the topic himself.
“I may only look like I’m 40, but I’ve been around a long time,” Biden quipped on January 19th, using a joke he has repeated on numerous occasions.
One memorable instance was when Biden celebrated his 81st birthday with 81 blazing candles, playfully making light of the milestone. The video of this moment went viral last November.
Even after stumbling on stage at the Air Force Academy in June 2023, Biden managed to turn it into a humorous moment by joking, “That wasn’t me,” when someone else fell during a subsequent speech. He also joked about the difficulty of turning 60 during the turkey pardon event in November.
However, not everyone finds these jokes amusing. According to a recent ABC News poll, 86% of respondents believe Biden is too old to serve another term as president. To counter this perception, Biden uses humor as a way to connect with voters and make himself relatable.
“There’s an old saying in politics, ‘hang a lantern on your problems,'” explained Republican strategist John Feehery. “Instead of hiding behind vulnerabilities, you make them your strengths.”
Biden is attempting to do just that, but Feehery argues that the president’s age and apparent infirmity are serious concerns that cannot be laughed off. He believes that Biden is not in control of his administration, which has veered far to the left compared to his campaign promises.
This tactic of using humor to address age-related concerns has been employed by previous candidates. In the 2008 election, Republican candidate John McCain, then 72, tried to deflect questions about his age by hosting Saturday Night Live and making jokes about being ”very, very, very old.” However, McCain ultimately lost to Democrat Barack Obama.
On the other hand, former President Ronald Reagan successfully deflected questions about his age during the 1984 election. When asked if he could handle the demands of a second term, Reagan famously replied, ”I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”
Challenges for Biden and Trump
Biden may not be able to use a similar line since his likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, is only four years younger. However, Trump’s age could potentially lessen the impact of questions about Biden’s fitness for office.
Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who is the only GOP candidate standing in Trump’s way, is attempting to use the age factor against both candidates. Haley, 52, has referred to Trump and Biden as “grumpy old men” and highlighted polls indicating that most voters do not want a 2020 rematch.
Haley has even predicted that Biden will not make it through a second term, confidently stating, “You’re going to have a female president of the United States. It’s either going to be me, or it’s going to be Kamala Harris.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to Haley’s prediction with a touch of humor, saying, “I’m not sure what crystal ball she’s looking at, but it’s not the one we have.”
President Biden’s use of humor to address concerns about his age is a strategic move to connect with voters and turn a potential weakness into a strength. Whether this tactic will be successful remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an interesting element to the ongoing political landscape.
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How did Bernie Sanders employ humor to emphasize his vitality and energy despite his age?
Who was 72 years old at the time, frequently joked about his age. He once said, “I’m older than dirt and have more scars than Frankenstein, but I’ve learned a few things along the way.” McCain used humor to show that age should not be a barrier to leadership.
Similarly, in the 2020 election, Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders, who was 79 years old, also addressed concerns about his age with humor. During a rally in Las Vegas, he quipped, “I’ve got 99 problems, but my age ain’t one.” Sanders used humor to highlight his vitality and energy despite his age.
Humor has proven to be an effective tool for politicians to connect with voters and address concerns. It humanizes them and shows that they are aware of the criticisms thrown their way.
However, humor alone may not be enough to dispel concerns about Biden’s age. As Feehery pointed out, there are legitimate concerns about the president’s ability to lead and make sound decisions. While his humor may lighten the mood, it does not address these deeper concerns.
In a time when the country is facing numerous challenges, from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to economic recovery, voters want a leader who is capable and in control. Biden’s use of humor may be an attempt to project an image of vitality and relatability, but it is vital for him to address the concerns head-on and demonstrate his ability to govern effectively.
Ultimately, the use of humor by Biden to address concerns about his age is a strategy that has both its advantages and limitations. While it may help him connect with voters and disarm critics, it does not fully address the underlying concerns about his ability to lead. As the president continues his reelection campaign, it will be crucial for him to strike a balance between humor and substance to assure voters that he is fit for office and capable of addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.
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