In a recent interview on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 83, dismissed criticisms about President Joe Biden's age, asserting that age is a relative matter. The conversation was sparked when host Mika Brzezinski questioned Pelosi about the criticism that Biden, who is currently 80, is too old to serve a second term.
Pelosi responded by encouraging Biden to embrace his age, experience, and the knowledge he brings to the job. She further pointed out that the leader on the other side, referring to former President Donald Trump without mentioning his name, is not much younger. Pelosi emphasized that the country is well-served by Biden's leadership, which she believes is enriched by his age and experience.
The House Speaker also took the opportunity to credit congressional Democrats for their courage in voting for initiatives that were being misrepresented by the opposition. She described the first two years of Biden's presidency as record-breaking and expressed pride in his accomplishments. Pelosi also highlighted that there is more work to be done, particularly regarding women in the workplace.
Pelosi, who is older than Biden, shared anecdotes from her recent meetings with 100-year-old television writer Norman Lear and 90-something architect Frank Gehry. Both men are still actively involved in their respective fields, leading Pelosi to conclude that age is indeed relative. She humorously referred to Biden as a "kid" in comparison to herself and these active centenarians.
The House Speaker concluded her remarks by urging everyone to focus on the upcoming election. This comes amid reports that Biden has privately expressed frustration over the criticism of his age. According to one friend, Biden allegedly responded to a report by saying, “You think I don’t know how f------ old I am?”
Pelosi's comments underscore the ongoing debate about the role of age in political leadership. While some critics argue that Biden's age could be a hindrance, others, like Pelosi, view his experience as an asset. The discussion is likely to continue as the country approaches the next election cycle.