Some Democrats are expressing private concerns about President Biden’s upcoming State of the Union address due to his age, citing worries about his energy level and ability to deliver the speech without mistakes.
At 81, Biden would be the oldest president to finish a first term.
While other Democrats believe Biden performed well in last year’s address and will do well again, strategists say the delivery will be as important as the substance given questions about his vigor.
“We are all nervous,” an anonymous House Democrat said, noting concerns surrounding Biden’s “ability to speak without blowing things.”
“There’s no doubt that he has the vigor [for a second term], but that’s being questioned,” former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said. “He’s quick, and he needs to show that.”
“He owned the Republicans when they tried to heckle him,” Rep. Ted Lieu said.
“It’s going to be one of the biggest audiences that the president will have this year, so it’s a huge opportunity to make the case,” Rep. Greg Landsman said.
The high-profile speech comes as Biden aims to reassure the public and counter attacks surrounding his age and mental acuity just weeks after a special counsel declined to charge him over improper handling of classified documents.
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