White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about President Joe Biden’s age and a recent poll showing 77 percent of Americans believe he is too old for the job.
KJP attempted to tiptoe around the question, but CNN host Jake Tapper didn’t let her scoot past the topic too easily.
At first, KJP noted Biden brings experience as a senator and a vice president to the presidency.
“That is just true,” KJP said. “The thing that the President is able to do is deliver. That is what we focus on.”
KJP noted individuals have attacked Biden over his age, but “he beats them every time.”
“He has his finger on the pulse of what it is that the American people need,” KJP said.
Tapper noted KJP is part of the 23 percent of adults who are not concerned about Biden’s age and stamina. But he reiterated 77 percent of adults are worried — including Democrats.
Tapper then asked about Nikki Haley’s comments regarding Biden’s age.
“Look at his record,” KJP said.
She said Biden has brought partners together around the world to rally for Ukraine. Biden knows how to get the work done and, his record “stands alone,” KJP added.
Tapper went back to the topic a third time.
“I understand why you’d rather talk about the record,” he said. “But I’m talking about what Americans see when they turn on the TV, and they see, you know, Joe Biden’s been in politics since before, literally, since before you were born. And he’s aged, as we all do.”
KJP said when the administration marked the one-year anniversary of the Russia/Ukraine War, Biden went to Kiev.
“People were so impressed that he was able to be there and look strong and represent the American people in Kiev in a war zone country,” she said. “And that’s what you saw.”
Tapper said he wasn’t saying Biden couldn’t walk.
“But here’s the thing Jake, people saw him and were impressed that he was able to do that and he was able to be there,” KJP said.
She said she has had conversations with members of the press pool about how difficult it is to keep up with Biden on international trips. She claimed no other president has been able to do what Biden has done and that is what matters.
Watch the exchange beginning at the 3:30 mark below:
