'He was only one century off': Internet slams Joe Biden as he urges voters to ‘elect me, I’m in 20th century’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Biden's recent gaffe during a press conference at the White House Rose Garden has reignited concerns about his age and fitness for office.

On Wednesday, April 10, while addressing reporters alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden made a statement that quickly went viral and intensified scrutiny over his suitability for a second term.

Press conference slip-up

The president, aged 81, faced a barrage of questions from journalists, prompting him to quip, "Why doesn't everybody holler at once?" However, it was his response to NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander's inquiry regarding abortion laws in Arizona that garnered significant attention.

When pressed on the issue, Biden's response veered into unexpected territory: "Elect me. I'm in the 20, 20th century." The comment, perceived by many as a gaffe, immediately fueled criticism from opponents who argue that Biden's age may impede his ability to effectively lead the country for another four years.

Biden swiftly corrected himself, acknowledging the error with a follow-up remark: "21st century, not back then. They weren't even a state." However, the slip only intensified ongoing debates regarding his cognitive abilities and fitness for office.

This incident comes amid persistent concerns about Biden's age, with polls consistently highlighting widespread apprehension among voters. Should he secure a second term this year, Biden would become the nation's oldest-ever president at the age of 86.

Trump's comparison and polling trends

Former President Donald Trump, aged 77, has also contributed to the discourse surrounding age and cognitive acuity, positioning himself as a viable alternative to Biden. Trump contends that he retains his mental faculties better than his successor, a sentiment echoed by a considerable portion of the American electorate, according to recent polls.

A survey conducted by The New York Times and Siena College last month underscored the deepening apprehensions surrounding Biden's age within both Democratic and Republican circles. The poll revealed a significant shift in perception among voters who supported Biden in 2020, with 61 percent expressing concerns about his age and efficacy as president.

Moreover, the poll highlighted a growing sentiment among voters that Biden's age may render him unfit for office, with 19 percent of his 2020 supporters and 13 percent of prospective backers expressing doubts about his capacity to lead effectively.

These apprehensions transcend demographic boundaries, encompassing voters of varying ages, genders, races, and educational backgrounds. Despite efforts by the Biden administration to dispel concerns regarding his age and mental acuity, the president continues to face scrutiny as the November election draws nearer.

Criticism of Biden's age has been further exacerbated by recent remarks from Special Counsel Robert Hur describing him as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" and noting "diminished faculties in advancing age." Such assessments have only intensified existing doubts among voters, with previous polling indicating a steady increase in reservations about Biden's age over time.

With a potential rematch between Biden and Trump looming, both candidates would make history as the oldest presidential nominees if they were to secure their party's nomination. Biden's reelection would see him surpass his record as the oldest sitting president, while Trump would become the second-oldest if successful, the New York Post reported.

Social media reactions

The latest gaffe about being in "the 20th century" not only reignited debates surrounding Biden's age but also sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.

"Lord, help us," one posted on X.

"His brain is gone," another wrote.

"Every time Biden speaks I’m more offended by the elder abuse I’m witnessing. Shame on Jill Biden for propping this one man up. It’s an insult to all elderly," a comment read.

"He was only one century off. That's like only one week in Biden years," someone else quipped.

"Another day. Same national embarrassment," another commented.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.