President Joe Biden delivered a spirited State of the Union speech Thursday, working to counter a story haunting his re-election bid — that he's too previous for the job.
U.S. political pundits and analysts known as his roughly 60-minute speech “fugitive” and “forceful.”
Mr. Biden, 81, is the oldest sitting president, and opinion polls usually present that his age is on the minds of American voters.
We requested members of our panel of US voters, a lot of whom had supported Biden however expressed issues about his age, if his speech had affected how they see him.
Aylon Gipson, Alabama, Democrat
A 21-year-old economics scholar at Morehouse Faculty, a traditionally black college, Aylon voted for the primary time within the final election.
I nervous about his age. She is about my grandmother's age, and I do know what my grandmother is like.
However I believe we noticed a fiery speech from him yesterday, and it gave me extra confidence. He confirmed us that he can nonetheless be fast on his toes. He took jabs at Republican hecklers who have been wonderful.
I’ll positively vote for Joe Biden, even when he has issues and issues with age.
Biden adopted the supply of a black girl to the Supreme Court docket. He fought in opposition to the lack of safety with the overturning of Roe v Wade. He did his finest to cancel scholar mortgage debt.
Darlene Buhler, South Dakota, Republican
Darlene, 65, voted for Donald Trump in 2020 and was not persuaded to vote in another way this time.
“Fiery” is a well mannered phrase to say he was rambling. He simply regarded mad, and left like a grumpy previous man.
To me, the expectations and the bar have been set too low. He was like, “let's simply hope he goes by with it and doesn't get kicked off the stage.” It was extra constant than I've heard it prior to now.
And so the query is, do I believe he can deal with 4 extra years? I don't suppose so. It's a disgrace we don't have an age restrict.
If you must select between him and Donald Trump, select Trump, the lesser of two evils. I don't really feel that President Biden or the Democratic Social gathering have executed sufficient for black individuals. They anticipate to routinely obtain our vote. They need to earn.
Amy Kalokerinos, New York, Unbiased
Amy, 42, has voted each Democrat and Republican in her life.
I believe it's the perfect speech President Biden has ever given in his whole profession. Earlier than yesterday, I had my doubts. However I didn't query his health after final evening's speech.
He stomped on the rostrum, he spoke extra severely and shouted – it's all of the issues that Trump makes the American inhabitants reply to. It presents itself in another way, and I believe it resonates.
I’m an previous man, proper or incorrect. And I believe each candidates are too previous.
I voted for Biden in 2020 and can vote for everybody however Trump in November. Overturning Roe v Wade was for me.
Michelle Dunkley, New Jersey, Democrat
Michelle, 60, voted Democrat within the final presidential election. He's not thrilled concerning the age of the candidates, however he'll vote for Biden once more.
The State of the Union tackle felt extra like a marketing campaign speech, designed to advertise his psychological acuity.
He diplomatically reprimanded his predecessor for his language and actions that deepened political divisions on this nation.
As a lot as I like Biden, I imagine he’s too previous to proceed main the nation. But when Trump wins, he might be previous throughout his time period.
This nation wants younger individuals to steer.
Karen Kemp, Connecticut, Democrat
Karen, 48, voted for Joe Biden in 2020. She was nervous about how he would do on the podium.
I used to be nervous that Joe Biden couldn’t battle the pervasive perceptions that too usually comply with the aged, issues like they don’t serve society.
I believe he may stutter and lose his practice of thought. However he confirmed power and expertise.
His State of the Union tackle summed up the selection People will face in November and made a transparent distinction between a celebration and a person who desires good issues for this nation and a former president who has a imaginative and prescient very totally different, largely unfavorable.
I don't want to like my president, however I don't should be ashamed of who I’m.
