After numerous criticisms from his opponents regarding his age, especially following several instances where he stumbled in speech and steps, U.S. President Joe Biden seems to have come up with a new solution. He has made a slight change to his routine when leaving and returning to the White House. Instead of walking alone through the South Lawn, leaving space for credentialed journalists who typically line up to take photos, the 81-year-old Democratic president has often appeared surrounded by his aides.
This tactic may help draw less attention to his often slow gait and thus ease the ongoing debate surrounding his age and physical capabilities as he seeks a second term in the White House. With his aides walking alongside him, the focus on his stiff walk is diminished. This change comes after some of Biden's advisors acknowledged their concerns about videos circulating that show the president walking while dragging his feet, which highlights his age even more, according to Axios.
Weeks ago, the president told his aides that he preferred a less formal approach and suggested they walk with him spontaneously, making the scene feel closer to the public. Meanwhile, some opinion polls have shown widespread concern about the mental and physical fitness of the U.S. president, who is aiming for a second term against his Republican rival Donald Trump, particularly as Biden is the oldest president in U.S. history and will be 86 if he completes a full second term in 2029.
