President Joe Biden delivered a vigorous State of the Union address Thursday, seeking to counter the too-old-for-the-job narrative that has dogged his re-election bid.
American political commentators and analysts described his approximately 60-minute speech as “intense” and “powerful.”
At 81, Biden is the oldest president to hold office, and polls often show that American voters are concerned about his age.
We asked members of the American Voters Commission, many of whom have supported Biden, to express concerns about his age and whether his speech had influenced their view of Biden.
Iron Gipson, Alabama, Democrat
Eilon, a 21-year-old economics student at Morehouse College, a historically black college, voted for the first time in the last election.
I'm worried about his age. He is the same age as my grandmother and I know how his grandmother feels.
However, after seeing his passionate speech yesterday, I think I have become more confident. He showed us that he's still quick on his feet. He took some blows against Republican hecklers, and it was spectacular.
I would definitely vote for Joe Biden even if he had age issues and issues.
Biden followed this up by adding a Black woman to the Supreme Court. He has been fighting against losing his protection in Roe v. Wade's Ace Attorney. He did his best to cancel his student loan debt.
Darlene Buehler, South Dakota, Republican
Darlene, 65, voted for Donald Trump in 2020 but hasn't been persuaded to vote differently this time.
“Geki” is a polite word for rambling. He just seemed angry and looked like a grumpy old man.
For me, the expectations and hurdles were too low. It was like, “Let's hope he doesn't stumble off the stage and gets through this.'' He was much more consistent than I've ever heard him be.
So the question is, do you think he can last another four years? i don't think so. Unfortunately, there is no age limit.
If I had to choose between him and Donald Trump, I would choose Trump, the lesser of two evils. I don't think President Biden or the Democratic Party have done enough for black people. They expect to receive our votes automatically. They have to earn it.
Amy Karokelinos, New York, Independent
Amy, 42, has voted for both Democrats and Republicans throughout her life.
I think this is the best speech of President Biden's career. Until yesterday, I certainly had my doubts. But I have no doubts about his suitability after last night's speech.
When he slams the podium, speaks harder, shouts, that's what President Trump does, and the American people respond to it. He expresses things in a different way than before, and I think that's what resonates with him.
Rightly or wrongly, I am an ageist. And I think both candidates are too old.
I voted for Biden in 2020, but I plan on voting for anyone but Trump in November. The Roe v. Wade upset was that for me.
Michelle Dunkley, New Jersey, Democrat
Michelle, 60, voted for the Democratic Party in the last presidential election. Although she's not thrilled with the age of either candidate, she would vote for Biden again.
The State of the Union address felt like a campaign speech meant to boost his mental strength.
He diplomatically rebuked his predecessor's words and actions, which deepened the country's political divisions.
I like Biden, but I think he's too old to continue leading this country. But if Trump wins, he will be around the same age during his term.
This country needs young people to be leaders.
Karen Kemp, Connecticut, Democrat
Karen, 48, voted for Joe Biden in 2020. She was worried about how he would perform on the podium.
I was concerned that Joe Biden would be unable to counter the widespread perception that too often haunts the elderly: that they are of no use to society.
I thought he might stutter and lose his train of thought. But he showed energy and experience.
His State of the Union address summed up the choices Americans will face in November, drawing a clear distinction between a party and a person who wants what's good for this country and a former president who holds very different and largely unfavorable views. I made it.
You don't have to love the president, but you don't have to be ashamed of who they are.