Joe Biden mocked as 'ridiculous' staffers prevent him from taking questions before asking reporters to leave

SAGINAW, MICHIGAN: President Joe Biden’s recent campaign stop in Michigan stirred controversy as he was heard asking for permission to take questions from the audience, raising concerns about accessibility to the press and highlighting ongoing worries about his age.

The incident occurred on Thursday, March 14, during a visit to Saginaw, where Biden, 81, engaged with supporters and campaign volunteers on the front porch of a city council member's home.

Joe Biden handlers accused of preventing him from talking to press

"Can I take a couple of questions?" Biden inquired to a female staffer, signaling his willingness to engage with the audience.

“Yeah, we’re going to take a few questions,” the staffer responded, but it appeared to prompt other aides to swiftly usher the press away, preventing any potential questioning.

“Thank you, press … back in the vehicles,” they yelled before Biden could take any questions. 

This marked the second time in the week that Biden had expressed a desire to field questions, only to be prevented from doing so by his campaign team. Earlier in the week, at a gathering in New Hampshire, Biden queried, "Am I allowed to take any questions?" before a staffer intervened, redirecting attention away from the press.

The incident was reminiscent of a previous occurrence at the White House Easter Egg Roll in April 2022. Biden was prevented from answering questions about Afghanistan when one of his staffers, dressed in an Easter Bunny costume, interjected and led him away.

The commander-in-chief also has, on multiple occasions, told crowds that he would get “in trouble” for answering unauthorized questions.

Such incidents have fueled criticism regarding the president's engagement with the media, especially considering Biden has held fewer formal interviews and press conferences than any modern president, the New York Post reported.

Internet thinks Joe Biden is in a 'pitiful' state

Biden's tendency to defer to his staff regarding press interactions has not gone unnoticed on social media. 

"What a national embarrassment," one posted on X.

"It really is pitiful that @JoeBiden feels that he has to ask permission to answer questions," another wrote.

"Why is the President of the United States asking others if he can take questions? Is he not capable of deciding this as the most powerful man in the world?" someone else wondered.

"This is like teachers taking care of a kindergartner. Is just ridiculous," a comment read.

"Just proves that Biden isn't in charge. No underling should be able to control the POTUS' speech like his do," another offered.

Concern over Joe Biden's age

The scrutiny over Biden's age has intensified as he seeks a second term in office, potentially serving until the age of 86. Comparisons have been drawn to his Republican counterpart, former President Donald Trump, who, at 77, is only slightly younger and also facing questions about age-related fitness for office.

A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that an overwhelming majority of Americans, 86 per cent, believe Biden is too old to serve another term, reflecting a broader skepticism about his ability to lead effectively.

Partisan divisions are evident in perceptions of both candidates' ages, with Democrats more likely to view Biden as too old to serve (73 per cent), while Republicans are less inclined to see Trump in the same light (35 per cent). Independents largely align with the majority, with 91 per cent expressing doubts about Biden's age suitability for office.

These concerns have been further exacerbated by recent reports, such as the findings from special counsel Robert Hur, which cast doubt on Biden's mental fitness, though Vice President Kamala Harris dismissed them as "politically motivated."

A Quinnipiac University poll released around the same time reinforced the notion that doubts about Biden's age persist among voters.

A significant 67 per cent of respondents questioned his ability to effectively serve another four-year term, highlighting a widespread sentiment that transcends party lines. In contrast, 41% expressed similar concerns about Trump's age, indicating a less pronounced skepticism regarding his fitness for office.

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