President Joe Biden is addressing concerns about his age head-on in a new ad. The ad highlights his experience in office and contrasts his record with that of his predecessor, Donald Trump.
In the ad released Saturday, Biden, 81, acknowledges his age, stating, “Look I’m not a young guy. That’s no secret. But here’s the deal. I understand how to get things done for the American people.”
He touts his accomplishments in healthcare policy, handling the COVID-19 pandemic, and combating climate change. Biden also criticizes Trump, saying he “took away the freedom of women to choose” and failed to pass an infrastructure law during his time in office.
Despite Biden’s efforts to address concerns about his age, polls have shown that many voters have reservations about his ability to serve another term. An February ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old to serve another term.
In response to the ad, the Trump team shared a video featuring various out-of-context clips of Biden struggling to walk up stairs and falling down and his blank facial expressions.
Biden’s health has also been discussed, with a report from special counsel Robert Hur describing him as a “well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.”
However, at his State of the Union address, Biden emphasized his commitment to the ideals of America, stating, “The very idea of America is that we’re all created equal, deserves to be treated equally throughout our lives.”
The ad is part of a $30 million ad buy launched by Biden’s re-election campaign as he tours battleground states.