Hillary Clinton says Biden's age is 'legitimate issue,' but advises him to 'lean into' experience
"I think Biden also should lean into the fact that he’s experienced and that experience is not just in the political arena," Clinton said.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acknowledged concerns about President Joe Biden's age as being a "legitimate issue" for voters, but she advised him to "lean into" his experience.
"I talk to people in the White House all the time, and you know, they know it’s an issue, but as I like to say, look, it’s a legitimate issue," Clinton told MSNBC’s Alex Wagner in an interview aired Saturday.
Clinton also said it is a "legitimate issue" for former President Donald Trump, her 2016 election opponent and Biden's likely 2024 opponent who is three and a half years younger than him.
"I think Biden also should lean into the fact that he’s experienced and that experience is not just in the political arena. It’s like, the stuff of, you know, human experience," Clinton also said.
President Joe Biden defended himself against concerns regarding his age on Thursday following the release of special counsel Robert Hur's report on his alleged mishandling of classified materials. The special counsel declined to recommend charges against the president, stating that he would portray himself to the jury in a similar way he did to investigators, as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory."
"I am for Joe Biden for reelection on the merits," Clinton also said despite the concerns about his cognitive fitness. "I think he’s done a really good job as president."