- Pete Buttigieg emphasizes that President Biden’s ‘ideas’ are more important than his age
- Buttigieg says Biden’s views are more in line with those of younger generations than those of Donald Trump, four years younger
- Comes as the 81-year-old president continues to face criticism for his age
Pete Buttigieg insists that the age of President Joe Biden’s “ideas” is more important than his age on paper.
The transport minister defended the 81-year-old president against attacks on his age and fitness for office, saying his policies and ideas are in line with younger generations.
Buttigieg specifically pointed to Biden’s views on climate issues, protecting LGBTQ rights and restoring abortion access nationwide.
ABC News This Week host George Stephenopoulos asked Buttigieg how Biden, who would be 82 at the start of a second term, can be the “candidate of change” given his long career in politics.
“The most important thing is the age of a leader’s ideas,” Buttigieg assured.
Pete Buttigieg insists that Joe Biden’s ‘ideas’ are more important than his age and claims the president’s views are more in line with those of younger generations than those of Donald Trump, four years younger
“Similarly, if you look at some of the issues that are especially important to younger generations, like LGBTQ equality,” Buttigieg added, claiming Biden is more aligned with younger people on that issue.
“And then of course the issue that I think affects all generations of choice,” is said in relation to access to abortion. “Look, the last president, President Trump, kept his promise to end freedom of choice in America. That is one of the few promises he did keep.’
At 77, Trump is four years younger than Biden.
When Trump was inaugurated in January 2017, he was the oldest president ever at age 70, breaking Ronald Reagan’s record of 69. But then Biden took that title when he was elected at the age of 78.
“Look at the changes he has brought about,” Buttigieg said of Biden’s presidency so far.
Biden, 81, continues to face criticism for his age and fitness for office
Biden has come under heavy fire for his age — even from Trump’s campaign, despite their close age.
At a rally in Rome, Georgia, on Saturday, Trump emphasized that it was not just about age, but more about the “competence” of the person. He claims that Biden is incompetent regardless of his age.
Biden’s falls, outings and verbal blunders have all led to speculation — especially from Republicans — that he is unfit for another term.
If Biden is elected to a second term in November 2024, he would be 86 when he leaves office.