Internet in splits as Biden addresses age concerns, targets Trump's 'ancient ideas' in SOTU speech

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden took a moment to address concerns revolving around his age at the annual State of the Union address on Thursday, March 7, reported ABC News.

Moments before wrapping up his speech, the 81-year-old Biden tackled the issue head-on, quipping, "I know I may not look like it, but I've been around a while."

"And when you get to my age certain things become clearer than ever before," he added.

The incumbent's old age has been a matter of concern ever since he announced the re-election bid, with many doubting his capability to carry out presidential duties for a second term. Biden, who currently holds the record of the oldest President of the United States, will be 86 by the end of his second term if he wins in November.

The age concern alarmed the voters after the special counsel report of his mishandling of classified documents described the sitting President as an "elderly man with poor memory."

Furthermore, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently poured oil into the fire when she said Americans should 'accept the reality' about her fellow Democrat's old age. However, she later attempted to clean up the remarks, stating he was "lucky" to live into his 80s and that both Biden and the 77-year-old former President Donald Trump are 'effectively the same age'.

Joe Biden redirects his old age to criticize Donald Trump indirectly

Addressing the joint session of the Congress in his final State of the Union of the current term, Biden indirectly called out his 2024 election rival, Trump, while addressing the issue of age.

"My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy," the President said, adding, "A future based on the core values that have defined America. Honesty. Decency. Dignity. Equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor."

He then took a swipe at Trump's frequent remarks of revenge and retribution, arguing, "Now some other people my age see a different story. An American story of resentment, revenge, and retribution. That's not me."

"My fellow Americans, the issue facing our nation isn't how old we are, it's how old our ideas are. Hate, anger, revenge, and retribution are among the oldest of ideas. But you can't lead America with ancient ideas that only take us back."

Trump, on multiple occasions, shocked people through his vengeful comments. For instance, as per The Hill report, he stated, "For those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution," while speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in March 2023.

Moreover, some of his former aides, including ex-White House Director of Strategic Communications Alyssa Farah Griffin and ex-Defense Secretary Mark Esper, had dubbed Trump as a "threat to democracy." Along with this, the former President had expressed his wish to rule as a 'dictator for a day' to deport the illegal migrants if he won the November election.

The 2024 presidential election entered a general election mode after GOP candidate Nikki Haley dropped out following her losses in the Super Tuesday primaries.

Internet split over Joe Biden's remarks on his age

Netizens are divided into two groups, weighing in on Biden addressing his old age. While some considered his remarks as a humorous take on the problem, others pointed out that the real issue was his cognitive decline.

When one user labeled Biden's remarks "Masterful," another one demanded, "No more old people."

"It’s. Not. About. His. AGE. It’s his DEMENTIA. He’s severely cognitively impaired. Good grief," a frustrated individual remarked.

Whereas a fourth user opined, "This was a good line. Humor + reframing his age as an asset is the way to go. Much better than whining at people to shut up or saying 'but Trump!'"

"Sorry, but you look like you’ve been around a LONG WHILE..and things are NOT clearer for you," read another response.

Someone else wrote, "At 81, that was a composed State of the Union address with a measure of energy, vigor, and feistiness. For an old, almost frail man, that was a comfortable outing."

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.